Prof. Kayode Adebowale, the Vice-Chancellor, University of Ibadan (UI), has inaugurated a newly constructed Veterinary Medicine Central Laboratory of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine of the institution.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the laboratory, named Suraj Adesina Research and Development Centre, was built by alumnus of the faculty, late Alhaji Suraj Adesina.
The vice-chancellor said during the inauguration in Ibadan on Tuesday that the role of alumni in supporting university education cannot be overemphasised.
The V-C, who said that the overhead income for UI per month is N23 million and often comes in fraction whereas monthly expenditure is N300 million, noted that “government support to universities has become grossly inadequate for world-class standard education.
“So, you can gauge that ratio and you can now appreciate why I am excited. It’s just showing the power of alumni.
“Alumni own the institution and it is important for us to begin to realise that.”
Adebowale said that an alumnus of the university recently donated one million dollars for the construction of hostels for medical students.
He also announced Federal Government intervention to 10 medical students, in which UI is one of them, where N4 billion was provided to the institution.
He explained that the fund was mainly for MBBS, Nursing, Pharmacy and Dentistry students.
He appreciated the family of the donor for ensuring the completion of the project in spite of his demise.
In her address, the Dean, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Prof. Olufunke Ola-Davies, said the central laboratory was her vision.
She noted that it was executed by her dear classmate and friend, Suraj Adesina, but unable to complete before he transited into glory in August 2024.
Ola-Davies acknowledged and appreciated Adesina’s spouse Alhaja Aminat Adesina, who ensured her husband’s desire came to reality.
She underscored the need for central laboratory in the faculty, adding that “while we celebrate Mr Suraj Adesina, we acknowledge his spouse, his foreign partners, kexing Animal Health, and look forward to continued collaboration.
“This Central Veterinary Laboratory was borne out of the desire to improve access to research facilities for the faculty as a whole and the university at large, in the pursuit of excellence that this faculty and university is known for.
In her remarks, the spouse of the donor said it was an honour to fulfill her husband’s desire and make significant contributions to veterinary education in Nigeria.
Adesina said ADSA Veterinary Services and its partner would continue to maintain the building every five years.
She said “as I reflect on the life and legacy of my husband, I am reminded of the significant contributions he made to the field of veterinary medicine and the impact he had on the lives of those around him.”
NAN reports that during his lifetime, Dr Suraj Adesina was dedicated to providing access to drugs and biologicals for veterinary professionals.
Dignitaries at the inauguration include royal fathers — Olu of Igboora, Oba Jimoh Titiloye and his queen; Oluaso of Iberekodo, Oba Jamiu Badmos and his queen and Asawo of Ayete, Oba Emmanuel Okeniyi Ariwoola.
Some others were Hon. Sola Adeleke, the Executive Chairman, Ibarapa Central Local Government and Chief Imam of Igboora, Imam Yushau Alobalowo.(NAN)
