BAYO AKAMO, Ibadan
The University of Ibadan on Monday, appointed and decorated Governor Seyi Makinde as the University’s Ambassador Extraordinaire ahead of its 75th anniversary.
Presenting the governor with a plaque and a garland of honour, the Vice-Chancellor of the University, Professor Kayode Adebowale, who led the management of the university and members of the anniversary committee to the Governor’s office in Ibadan lauded the governor for contributing to the development of the university over the years, even before he became governor of the state.
The Vice-Chancellor stressed that the university appreciates the governor’s efforts, saying, “UI is grateful to you as a wonderful governor and it is obvious that our university has been a great beneficiary of your good service,
“On behalf of the management, staff and students of the university, I congratulate you on your outstanding victory at the polls”, he said.
Professor Adebowale added, “Your reelection is a testament to your sterling performance and very humane policies in your first term. It is our prayer that your second term will be far more impactful than the first term even as we pray for good health and God’s wisdom for you and those working with you.
Governor Makinde while speaking after receiving the team, lauded the university for the honour bestowed on him, stressing that he would continue to work with the university because the institution has continued to be helpful to the state in terms of human capacity development and other areas.
“It is a very close family. Over the years, the University of Ibadan has always been there with the resources to help the state. For this administration, you will probably say we have been poaching talents from the institution. What we have done basically are things that should have been done a long time ago”, he said.
Governor Makinde added, ” This is because we have the resources right there and what to do is to leverage the closeness of the institution to the government.
“We have had Professor Adeyemo, Professor Omole, Prof Babatunde, even the DG Protocol is also from UI. So, we will continue to come and knock on the door of UI to support the state.”
Speaking further, the governor said his administration would, as part of the constructions and improvements of junctions being carried out by the administration, reconstruct the Orogun-Ajibode-Sasa Junction and embark on junction improvement at the frontage of the University of Ibadan, to give the institution a better ambience.
“Let me specially thank you for the honour of making me an Ambassador Extraordinaire for the UI at 75 Anniversary. That is a significant milestone. I will do my best to provide support for the anniversary and the university.”
