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The Vice Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, Professor Kayode Adebowale, has disclosed that the institution has partnered with the Oyo State Police Command in a bid to tackle security challenges in the institution.
Adebowale made this disclosure in his address at the 76th Foundation Day of the university on Monday. A total of 485 graduands bagged Doctor of Philosophy degrees from the institution at the event.
The event was attended by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who was represented by the Minister of State for Education, Dr. Suwaiba Ahmad; Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, who was represented by his Deputy, Barrister Abdul-Raheem Adebayo Lawal; Governor of Borno State, Babagana Zulum; the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Akinloye Owolabi Olakulehin, who was represented by the Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba (Senator) Rasidi Adewolu Ladoja; Senator Sharafadeen Abiodun Alli (Oyo South); and the Vice Chancellor of the institution. Also in attendance were the President and Executive Secretary of the Muslim Ummah of South West Nigeria (MUSWEN), Alhaji Rasaki Oladejo and Professor Muslih Tayo Yahya, respectively.
Adebowale, while addressing the gathering, revealed that security has become a critical issue and a growing concern over the past decade in the institution.
He, however, disclosed that the institution has sought the assistance of the Oyo State Police Command to strengthen security on the campuses.
Adebowale, while speaking further, said that the institution will continue to provide the necessary support to its security unit to sustain the progress recorded in securing the campuses.
The Vice Chancellor, while speaking further, maintained that another pressing issue the institution is currently facing is power supply.
He used the opportunity to appeal to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to give the institution special priority attention.
Adebowale, who spoke further, pledged that the institution will continue to play its role as the intellectual capital of Nigeria.
Adebowale said: “Security has become a critical issue and a growing concern over the past decade. This explains why Management has remained firm and unwavering in its commitment to the security of lives and property on the main and other campuses.
“Among the many steps taken to strengthen security was enlisting the assistance of the Oyo State Police Command to support the University Security Unit. As a result of these efforts, security breaches have significantly decreased, and a sense of safety now pervades our main and other campuses.
“In this regard, we must express our sincere appreciation to the Chairman, Council Committee on Security, Professor S. G. Jonathan, for the excellent job. The administration will continue to provide the necessary support to the Security Unit to sustain the progress recorded in securing the campuses.
“In this address, I have focused largely on our progress and achievements, but it is important to acknowledge that there are still a number of challenges we face as an institution. One of the most pressing issues is power supply. A significant amount of our resources is expended on powering the University. With the recent development in the power sector, our monthly electricity bill more than doubled compared to the previous years.
“We have initiated communication with the Federal Ministry of Power to seek solutions, and I respectfully appeal to all stakeholders to support us in this effort, both through resources and potential investments.
“In addition to power supply, we are also grappling with challenges such as internet connectivity, the maintenance of aging buildings and infrastructure, and the growing need for expansion, given the University’s long history and its role as a leading institution in the country.
“I passionately appeal to Mr. President for special priority attention to be given to the University of Ibadan in the form of dedicated reconstruction and rehabilitation funds, as well as an increased allocation spread over time. As the oldest university and an academic heritage of all Nigerians, the University of Ibadan should be given a special status that comes with sufficient support and resources to transform it into a world destination for academic and intellectual pilgrimage.
“As the intellectual capital of Nigeria, the University of Ibadan plays a critical role in shaping the development of other universities across the nation, and it is vital that it receives the recognition and investment it deserves to continue this important work.”
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