Education
Between UI And Its Alumni | By Sunday Saanu
The relationship between a school and its former students is analogous to that of a father and his children. A responsible father, within an African context, though, laboured to raise up his children properly with an expectation that the children would make him proud in future and ultimately take care of him in his old age. In the same breath, a good school which has succeeded in producing quality students expects to enjoy the goodwill of its old students for the products are its wealth. Although no law makes it mandamus that every alumnus must come back to assist their alma mater, it is a moral conversation, really, that a river should always remember its source.
It is natural for a tree to grow several branches which spread out to all directions, however, those branches never lose touch with the roots. This analogy is relevant in this context. University of Ibadan (UI), like a tree with many branches, has produced outstanding alumni of immense status and brand equity. The Nigeria’s premier University which came into existence in 1948 with 104 foundation students, has since produced thousands of alumni who are reigning in robust resources across the world. Ibadan is popular because of the quality of its products. No wonder that the latest catchphrase on campus now is “UI: our products are our pride”. Just like a proud father who has successfully raised outstanding children, the UI has been enjoying the goodwill of its prestigious products who are scattered all over the world.
Perhaps because of the quality of training received from UI, not a few former students have been looking back with a view to giving back to the University that shaped their lives. These alumni have been so passionate and generous to their alma mater. From people like Dr. Michael Omolayole who formed the first University of Ibadan Alumni Association (UIAA) in Lagos in 1958 and established UI endowment fund along with others, to Elder Felix Ohiewerei, the late Sir Gamaliel Onosode among others, UI has benefitted immensely from its former students, and is still benefiting. Even those who did not attend the UI, but have one form of relationship or the other with the institution, like a one-time Chairman of Council, Chief Wole Olanipekun have been so generous with their resources towards the betterment of UI.
Chief Olanipekun who was the Council Chairman between 2009 and 2013 built a 400 – capacity Law Lecture Theatre in Ajibode, UI second phase as a major highlight of his legacy. The legal icon spent a lot of his personal resources in lifting the institution even as he refused to take sitting allowances. Those of us who are privileged to be working in the University have equally benefitted from the goodwill of the alumni. For instance, my office can boast of solar energy, courtesy of four members of UI 1990 graduating set, including Hadrat Hameed Azeez, Adebowale Oyedeji, Olu Odugbemi and Adenike Oduela Ajetunmobi. They did not just come together to buy me the facility, they later mobilized their colleagues to provide solar electricity to the Faculty of Agronomy. Their alma mater is the ligature of their bond. What about the former Chairman of Lagos UIAA, Mr. Sola Oyetayo? He has been so helpful anytime he is called upon. How does one thank all those who have been coming back to assist UI in various ways including some state governors, senators, businessmen and women, diplomats and academics? Only God can reward them.
The relationship between UI and its alumni has been so good, but it can still be a lot better. The school’s facilities are becoming old. Government alone cannot do much for obvious reasons. The University requires rebuilding, rehabilitation and reconstruction in various ways. This is indeed a wakeup call on all other alumni across the world to come to the aid of the University that made them. Giving, they say, does not depend on abundance but on the heart.
However, the story of a relatively young alumnus which provoked the inspiration for this write up may be the nudge that many older products of the UI require to do the needful. If there is no lesson that is too little to learn, some will find the exploits of Mr. Jamil Omobolaji Eniola, who is a 2001 Microbiology graduate of Ibadan, not only challenging, but remarkably edifying, regarding philanthropy towards one’s former school.
Mr. Eniola who is a United Kingdom (UK) based amazingly began to contribute to the development of the UI right from his undergraduate days and has not stopped ever since. In 1998, there was a rainfall which damaged his department (Botany/Microbiology). While the counting of losses was ongoing, both staff and students were shocked when Eniola stepped forward and donated Fifty Thousand Naira (#50,000) towards the reconstruction of the damaged department. That kind of a gift as well as the thoughtfulness is uncommon, particularly among the students. But Eniola set the pace.
Upon graduation, he relocated to the UK, working in various places including getting involved in the United Nations’ activities, including consultancy, conferences, seminars and workshops. Eniola, who later established a philanthropic Hawau Eniola (HEN) Foundation in honour of his late mother, came back to UI in 2017 with a donation of various medical equipment during cancer screening exercise to the UI Health Centre. He also donated money. In the same 2017, he signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the University to build a multi-purpose theatre which will be named after Dr. Maya Angelou, a world renowned poet and human rights advocate in recognition of her work in Africa. The MoU is still underway.
In 2018, Eniola working in synergy with eight of his colleagues, during the UI 70th anniversary shocked the pundits with the way they brought UI alumni together in the UK, raising about N80 million for the University from a single event. Again, in the same year, he donated cash and trophy towards the Faculty of Arts football competition tagged “Dean’s Cup”.
Last year, Eniola fully sponsored leadership programme of the Student’s Union while also donating various books to the union’s library and the Kenneth Dike Library. In March 2020, he also donated handsomely to the Faculty of Science Students Association (FASSA) week. Again this year, Eniola, through his HEN Foundation gave scholarship to five students under the programme he tagged Student’s Enhanced Engagement Development, (SEED). Each of the student was given Three Hundred Thousand Naira for the programme.
But what is his motive? Eniola explained that he was neither a politician seeking general acceptability nor a contractor planning to get a contract from UI, but rather interested in giving back to the University that made him. Hear him, “I have moved round many Universities across the world, I feel proud of UI and I am interested in contributing my own quota towards its betterment.” Indeed this is the desired direction for every graduate of the University. It is the best way for one to immortalize one’s name. Eniola who has Ivy League education is blessed with the soaring swiftness of an eagle with a wide contact and network which he is deploying to assist UI. He remains an influential figure with a gleeful disposition. His is service before self, comporting himself in a fashion of a gentleman. His humility is both amazing and disarming. He is like a man on a mission who needs no permission.
He is not making all these contributions to UI in order to attract applause, but rather to ensure that UI gets bigger and better. Clearly, the President of HEN Foundation is a good example of a committed alumnus. His sterling strides are remarkable. And his philanthropic humanism is impressive. However, this is not to suggest that his contributions are the biggest and the largest. There have been many UI alumni who had donated and are still donating in far larger scale and scope. There are those who have even donated substantially to UI but don’t want their names mentioned. We have them much in thanks. They deserve the University’s appreciation.
Clearly, alumni association has been very useful in the development process of the University. But the association is inherently conflictual. This is because the members are big men and women who have been so successful in their individual rights. Consequently, there are obstacles of different dimensions in their midst. We have even had a situation where members took themselves to court. However, the interest of their alma mater should be uppermost in everyone’s mind. The crisis in the association should be resolved by a combination of discretion and diplomacy. Both the UI Management and the alumni association must continue to work in synchronicity towards a better UI. The University is a global brand, therefore, all hands must be on deck to preserve the legendary legacy of this national patrimony!
Saanu, is with the Vice Chancellor’s office, University of Ibadan.
E mail: sundaysaanu@gmail.com
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has officially rescheduled the commencement of the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) to Thursday, 24th April, 2025, across Nigeria.
This development was disclosed in a statement signed by Dr Fabian Benjamin, Public Communication Advisor to JAMB, on Saturday.
The examination, earlier slated to begin on Friday, 25th April, has been brought forward by one day due to what the Board described as “essential commitments by the Board and its partner agencies.”
According to the statement, “The 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) is now set to commence on Thursday, April 24, 2025, instead of the previously scheduled date of Friday, April 25, 2025. This adjustment has been made to accommodate essential commitments by the Board and its partner agencies.”
In preparation for the nationwide exercise, the Board has opened its official portal for registered candidates to print their 2025 UTME Notification Slips, which contain crucial information such as examination date, venue, and time.
“All candidates who have registered for the 2025 UTME scheduled to commence on Thursday, 24th April, 2025, are urged to print their 2025 UTME Notification Slips before the date of their examination,” the statement added.
To access the slip, candidates are required to visit www.jamb.gov.ng, click on the “2025 UTME Slip Printing” link, enter their registration number, and proceed to print the document.
JAMB strongly advised all candidates to familiarise themselves with the locations of their respective centres prior to the examination date to avoid any confusion or delay.
Furthermore, the Board reiterated its strict policy on examination locations, warning candidates not to appear at any centre outside their officially assigned venue or examination town.
“Please note that candidates will be assigned to centres within their chosen examination towns; no candidate will be placed in a centre outside their selected town,” JAMB emphasised.
The Board assured that all necessary arrangements are in place to ensure a seamless conduct of the 2025 UTME and urged candidates to comply strictly with the guidelines provided.
The Rector of Federal Polytechnic, Ayede, Oyo State, Dr Taofeek Abdul-Hameed, has said that the institution’s recent accreditation as a Cisco Networking Academy Learning Centre will benefit students, staff, and the host communities, while also enhancing the school’s standing in the global digital space.
Dr Abdul-Hameed, in a statement issued on Wednesday by the institution’s Protocol and Public Relations Officer, Mr. Sunday Adepoju, described the feat as a major milestone in the polytechnic’s journey towards global academic relevance and digital innovation.
Cisco Systems Inc., a multinational technology conglomerate headquartered in San Jose, California, is a global leader in networking and information technology solutions.
Speaking on the development, the Rector said, “First and foremost, let me re-emphasise that our commitment to excellence at Federal Polytechnic, Ayede remains unwavering. The accreditation, granted by Cisco Systems, will enable the polytechnic to offer specialised training in key areas such as networking, cybersecurity, programming, data science, operating systems, digital literacy, and professional development.
“These programmes align with internationally recognised certifications and are designed to equip students with job-ready skills required in today’s fast-evolving digital economy.
“This accreditation is a major leap for our institution as it reflects our strategic focus on equipping students with practical, industry-relevant skills and reinforces our mission to become a centre of excellence in technology and innovation.”
Highlighting the benefits of the Cisco-accredited centre to the institution, Abdul-Hameed noted that the collaboration would enhance the polytechnic’s credibility and attract more prospective students, given the global recognition associated with Cisco certifications.
“Additionally, the institution can enrich its curriculum with up-to-date, industry-relevant learning materials provided by Cisco. It can also leverage Cisco’s vast resources, including training and support, to improve the overall quality of its academic programmes,” he said.
The Rector further stated that the staff of the institution would also benefit from the initiative through access to Cisco’s professional training opportunities, which would keep them abreast of emerging industry trends and technologies.
“Instructors can develop their skills and gain recognition within the industry, enhancing their career prospects. They can also build networks and collaborate with other professionals and partners through Cisco’s global platforms,” he added.
On the impact on students, Abdul-Hameed described them as the greatest beneficiaries of the new accreditation.
“Our students can now earn industry-recognised certifications that will improve their employability and career growth. They will also have access to career opportunities and networking events through Cisco’s global network,” he said.
He added that the host communities stand to gain from the scheme, particularly in terms of economic development and local partnerships.
“By producing a skilled workforce, the community becomes more attractive to businesses
Seeks FG’s Intervention on Infrastructure, Expansion
The Federal Polytechnic, Ayede, Oyo State, has reaffirmed its commitment to academic and infrastructural excellence as it formally admitted its third set of students during a matriculation ceremony held on Thursday at the TETFund Auditorium, Iresa-Pupa Temporary Campus.
No fewer than 574 students were officially admitted into the institution for the 2024/2025 academic session.
The event was well attended by distinguished guests, including the Executive Secretary of the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), Professor Idris Bugaje, who was represented by Dr John Onyebuchi, Deputy Director, NBTE Southwest Zonal Office. The Federal Ministry of Education (FME) was also represented by Mallam Bala Adamu.
The traditional institution was represented by the Aresa-Pupa of Iresa-Pupa, Oba Moses Olayiwola Ajiboye JP, Ajiboye III. Other notable attendees included the Rector of Federal Polytechnic, Ede, Engr. (Dr) Sani Man Yahya, represented by the Deputy Rector (Academics), Alhaji I. A. Lawal; the Rector of Federal Polytechnic, Offa, Engr. (Dr) Kadiri Kamoru Oluwatoyin, represented by the Deputy Rector (Academics), Dr Mulikatu Aliu; and the Provost of the Federal College of Education, Iwo, Prof. R. A. Adebayo, represented by the Registrar, Alhaji Yusuf Aderibigbe among others.
Speaking at the event, the Rector of the Polytechnic, Dr. Taofeek Abdul-Hameed, congratulated the newly admitted students and reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to delivering quality technical and vocational education.
“You have earned your place here through hard work and dedication. Federal Polytechnic, Ayede, is committed to equipping you with the necessary knowledge and practical skills to thrive in your chosen careers,” he stated.
Dr Abdul-Hameed highlighted the rapid growth of the Polytechnic since its establishment in March 2021, noting that it was the first among the six newly created federal polytechnics to commence academic and administrative activities in June 2022.
He disclosed that the institution now has over 1,200 students, making it the most populated among its counterparts. It currently offers 12 accredited National Diploma (ND) programmes, with plans to introduce 29 additional programmes.
“The Office Technology and Management (OTM) programme will soon commence as its resource verification process is at an advanced stage,” he added.
The Rector further announced that the Polytechnic’s Academic Board had approved the results of its first graduating set, paving the way for its maiden convocation this year.
“A convocation ceremony to confer diplomas and prizes will be held this year, and the official date will be announced in due course,” he stated.
Addressing recent reports of a building collapse at the Polytechnic, Abdul-Hameed dismissed the claims as misleading, clarifying that no structure had collapsed on any of the institution’s campuses.
“What was falsely reported was a minor structural defect involving a cantilever under construction. The contractor is already addressing the issue under strict supervision,” he explained, urging the public to disregard the misinformation aimed at tarnishing the Polytechnic’s reputation.
While commending President Bola Tinubu for his administration’s support for education, the Rector urged the Federal Government to increase funding, particularly for infrastructure and research.
“We seek special intervention programmes to support our expansion efforts and the construction of access roads to improve connectivity,” he appealed.
He also acknowledged the contributions of the Federal Ministry of Education, TETFund, and the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) towards the Polytechnic’s growth. Continuing, he lauded Oyo State Governor, Engr Seyi Makinde, for his support and sought further assistance from the state government.
The Don advised the newly admitted students to embrace discipline, diligence, and innovation, urging them to take full advantage of the institution’s resources.
“The Polytechnic has provided you with the resources and a conducive environment to succeed. It is now your responsibility to make the most of this opportunity,” the Rector said.
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