By Christian Obileri
The Vice Chancellor, University of Ibadan, Professor Kayode Adebowale has cleared the air on the alleged frosty relationship between the authorities of the institution and the leadership of the University of Ibadan Alumni Association (UIAA).
According to him, “there is no rivalry whatsoever between the University and the alumni association”. He emphatically stressed that the relationship between them is deeper than what some people may be thinking.
Professor Adebowale made the clarifications when the leadership of UIAA Worldwide paid him a courtesy call at the Boardroom of the Vice Chancellor’s office.
Professor Adebowale said, ” there is no way the University can function without the Alumni Association”. He said as the federal government is contemplating stopping funding of University education in Nigeria, the Alumni Association comes in to support.
He assured the University of Ibadan Alumni Association of his disposition of working with her to give the people best education in the country.
The Vice Chancellor who denied ever working against the UIAA leadership during the election said that what happened in last November was the security reports he received which were not favourable and that’s why he called for its postponement.
He further regretted that some mischief makers misconstrued such proactive decision to mean that he was against the UIAA leadership.
Professor Adebowale, however, stressed that both the University and the Alumni Association would work together for the benefits of the institution, saying that the Alumni would be involved in the preparations of 75 years anniversary of the University of Ibadan.
He spoke on other issues involving some graduates of the University who are not captured in the alumni association but are willing to assist the Alumni achieve its objectives.
Earlier, the Worldwide President of UIAA, Professor Gabriel Saawua Nyityo had informed the Vice Chancellor that Exco. members visited to introduce themselves to him since their inauguration last November.
Professor Nyityo informed him of the efforts being put in place by the Executive to re-position the UIAA for better service delivery while ensuring robust understanding between it and the authorities.
Among the other Executive members who accompanied the Worldwide President on the visit were 2nd Vice President, Mr Joseph Akaanan, 3rd Vice President, Professor Joel Abolagba, the Secretary, Dr Sarah Akintola, 2nd Assistant Secretary, Chief Uchemadu Abosi. Others were the Public Relations Officer, Mr John-Gold Orhernuata, 2nd Ex-Officio, Comrade Chris Obileri and the 3rd Ex-Officio, Comrade Patrick Oyameda.