The Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Administration of the University of Ibadan, Professor Peter O. Olapegba, FNPA, FSSAN, fspsp, has said that in the wake of paucity of funds, strategic alumni engagement is a crucial way of keeping public universities running.

He made this statement on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Kayode O. Adebowale, mni FAS, fspsp while receiving an Alumni group of the Department of Geology during a courtesy visit to the office of the Vice-Chancellor.

Professor Olapegba said that it is becoming apparent that the federal government could no longer fully fund public universities, particularly with the creation of more universities across the nation.

He stressed that the global shift in university education is to build the alumni base of the institution and allow them to own the university and give support through benefactions, institution of prizes, scholarship schemes and goodwill.

The DVC disclosed that the university adopted this model through its Office of Alumni Relations, explaining that the office was created to be a link and coordinator of alumni engagement, stating that the creation of a robust database of UI graduates from inception was initiated and is still ongoing.

He lauded the alumni group for deciding to come together in a homecoming event, saying the Department of Geology alumni stand out in terms of looking back and commended the groups for the consistency in their activities.

The Chairman of the alumni homecoming event and 12th Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, Professor Abel Idowu Olayinka, FAS, had earlier disclosed that most of the physical facilities and equipment in the Department of Geology were donated by the alumni of the department.

He asserted that the department is relatively self-reliant and has the best microscope laboratory in the country which he disclosed was a donation by the alumni.

Professor Olayinka assured that the alumni body is still committed to doing more as a group and as individuals, restating that the spirit of giving support to sustain the pride of the department is unparalleled.

The former Vice-Chancellor also disclosed that the alumni had sponsored students on trainings and conferences in a bid to give them professional exposure.

He explained that the homecoming event was organized as a platform for old alumni of the department to reconnect, for social interaction and deliberations on strategic ways to further support the department.

On the Chairman’s entourage were veterans and retired geologists, private practitioners in the field of geology and academics from the University of Ibadan and other universities who had arrived for the homecoming event.