By Chris Obileri
Metropolitan Lagos was agog following the convergence of University of Ibadan Alumni Association’s celebration of 75 years of the premier university and 65 years of the alumni association.
It was a gathering of who is who among the Alumni family who have distinguished themselves in different spheres of human endeavours.
A Luncheon and award of honours was organized to deserving personalities at an event held at Metropolitan Club, Victoria Island, Lagos.
The high and the mighty in the private sector, the academia, political class, diplomacy, traditional institution among others graced the auspicious event.
The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress ( APC ). Alhaji Abdullahi Ganduje, the Alake of Egbaland, the Obi of Issele–Uku, former Inspector General of Police, retired personalities and captains of industry as well as top government functionaries were physically present during the occasion.
Most of the people who attended went home with a sense of satisfaction and fulfilment as it was richly packaged in a unique and quintessential manner which was the first of its kind in the history of the University of Ibadan.
In a speech, the President Worldwide, University of Ibadan Alumni Association, Professor Gabriel Nyityo expressed happiness about the event and traced the historical background for hosting the event in the commercial city of Lagos.
According to him, Lagos was the nucleus of ground breaking elite formation process following the establishment of University of Ibadan some years back.
However, Professor Nyityo challenged the alumnus of the university to keep a tab on the progress and development of their alma-mater by visiting the school to know areas of assistance to the institution, adding that the event was a celebration of excellence.
He said the essence of such visits is to do a needs assessment of their alma-mater aimed at uplifting the citadel of learning to a greater pedestal.
Contributing, Alhaji Abdullahi Ganduje believes that the University of Ibadan shaped him greatly in his worldview about Nigeria, noting that as a student, he was enlightened about management of diversity and national integration.
He said UI impacted so much in his life as he pledged to always remain grateful to the institution.
The event climax with the cutting of anniversary cake by all the awardees.