By Stella Obi
The University of Ibadan, on Monday, appointed and decorated the governor of Oyo State, ‘Seyi Makinde as Ambassador Extraordinaire of the university ahead of its 75th anniversary.
Vice-Chancellor of the University, Prof Kayode Adebowale, who led the management of the university and members of the anniversary committee to the Governor’s Office, Agodi, Ibadan, presented the governor with a plaque and a garland of honour.
Speaking shortly after receiving the team, Governor Makinde appreciated the university for the honour bestowed on him, stating 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.
The governor said: “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. This is because we have the resources right there and what to do is to leverage the closeness of the institution to the government.
The governor equally noted that 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.
The governor said: “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.”
Earlier in his remarks, the Vice-Chancellor said: “On behalf of the management, staff and students of the university, I congratulate you on your outstanding victory at the polls.
Prof Adebowale lauded the governor for contributing to the development of the university over the years, even before he became governor of the state.
