The Chief Executive Officer of the First Bank Group, Dr. Adesola Adeduntan, has stated that all resources must be mobilised to ensure that UI retains its premier position among universities in Nigeria.
He promised to be part of whatever efforts are required to make UI a technological and educational hub of learning in the country.
Dr. Adedutan made the call and pledge at his investiture as a UI@75 Ambassador.
He noted that technology drives the world but lamented that Nigerian Universities are way behind.
He pledged to help UI improve technology which he says is very important to all courses of study.
Dr. Adedutan recalled his days in UI and applauded the University for giving him the opportunities to graduate in flying colours as well as moulding his character.
He recalled with nostalgia his days as a resident of Sultan Bello Hall, saying that he was the first ever non-final year student to be elected Chief of the Sigma Club, an experience which shaped his views and thoughts that led him into the business world.
The CEO acknowledged that he had often reflected over his job performance and concluded that without the training he received in UI, he might not have been as successful as he is today.
While performing the investiture ceremony, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Kayode O. Adebowale, said the University of Ibadan had identified Dr Adeduntan as one of the worthy alumni of the University to help celebrate its 75th year of existence.
The Chairman of the UI@75 Anniversary Committee, Professor Peter Olapegba identified the thematic projects for which the University intends to raise funds.
He listed the projects as the shoring up of the University’s Endowment Fund; infrastructure development; alternative energy for the University; students’ scholarship funds; and staff development funds.
He said the University expects its Ambassadors and Ambassadors Extraordinaire to select from among the projects and mobilise their friends and associates to raise funds for the University of Ibadan.
On the Vice-Chancellor’s entourage were the Registrar, Mr Ganiyu Saliu; the Chairman of the UI@75 Anniversary Committee, Professor Peter Olapegba; a retired Senior Lecturer of Veterinary Medicine, Dr Gani Adeniran; and Mrs Adejoke O. Akinpelu, the Principal Assistant Registrar/Public Relations Officer.
The CEO of the First Bank Group was supported by Mr Olusegun Alebiosu, Chief Risk Officer/Executive Director; Mrs Folake Ani-Mumuney, Group Head, Marketing and Corporate Communications; Mr Akinwale Olawoye, Chief of Staff to the CEO; Mr Adekunle Amujo, Business Support Executive, CEO’s Office; and Mr. Ismail Omamegbe, Head Sustainability, Media and External Relations, all of First Bank.
