The Pro Chancellor and Chairman, Governing Council, University of Ibadan, Nde Joshua Mutka Waklek has said that most of the University of Ibadan infrastructural facilities put in place in 1948 and even the early 1960’s are crying for replacement or at least massive revamping.
The Pro Chancellor who disclosed this at the 71st Foundation Day and Convocation ceremony of the Ph.D degree of the nation’s Premier University, University of Ibadan appealed to the federal government to give adequate support towards the education ambition of the nation so as to promote and facilitate qualitative and transformational learning for the youth and citizens of the nation.
Speaking at the convocation, he said, “The university of Ibadan still need enormous financial assistance if is to key into the acceptable phase of accelerated development of the 21st century university”.
“Given the age of the institution, most of the infrastructural facilities put in place in 1948 and even the early 1960’s are crying for replacement or at least massive revamping hence, we appeal to the president to assist the university in this regard especially in the area of capital projects funding” he said.
He stated that the subvention and grants from the federal government cannot sustain the university.
The Pro Chancellor who appealed to the public, individual, philanthropist and organizations to come to the aid of the university said “Assistance is needed in the area of manpower development, ICT overhauling, infrastructural facilities uplift, equipment procurement and other materials. While we are assuring you that funds generated will be judiciously utilized”.
Speaking further, “I appeal to the government to sustain the current dialogue with ASUU and all pending issues between them be amicably resolved. We cannot for any reason afford any further disruption in the academic calendar” he said.
Nde Waklek however expressed his profound appreciation to the management of the university, senate, academic and non-academic for working hard not only to sustain the university legacies but also to raise the bar of excellence for the 21st century of our dream.
He also urged the graduands to jealously guide the image of the university by continuously exhibiting excellence and the good character the university is known for, while he admonished them to be good ambassadors of the university and eventually when they have made it, they should remember to plough back into their alma mata.
In his speech, the institution’s Vice Chancellor, Professor Abel Idowu Olayinka revealed that a total of 343 candidates, from various disciplines were conferred with Doctor of Philosophy Degrees, PhD.
According to him, “The Faculty of Education leads the pack with a total of 70; followed by the Faculty of Science with 60 Ph.D graduands and the Faculty of Agriculture with 44.”
He also said, Dr Dagogo Jack, was the only one who received the higher doctorate degree of Doctor of Science adding, “Dr Dagogo Jack, a member of the MB, BS Graduating Class of 1978, was the fifth person ever to earn a D.Sc from this university in our 71-year chequered history”.
Also at the occasion, four eminent personalities were conferred with honorary degrees. These are: Are Afe Babalola, Professor Folagbade Olajide Aboaba, Emeritus Professor Ayodele Olajide Falase, Dr Alex Chika Eze.