The newly constituted Governing Council of the University Ibadan is resolutely determined to move forward the oldest and foremost institution in Nigeria.

This was disclosed by the new Pro Chancellor and Chairman of Council, Gen. Adeyinka Adebayo (rtd) during the inaugural meeting of the Council today in the Council Chamber of the institution.

The new Chairman told members to bear in mind the sanctity of the Council’s central role which is to transform the University to a world-class institution.

He noted the outstanding achievements of the immediate past Governing Council under the leadership of Chief Wole Olanipekun, SAN.

According to him, “Council performed excellently during his tenure having put in place a policy framework for the University Administration to function effectively and operate in a conducive environment.”

Gen. Adebayo charged staff and students to see the University as their collective heritage which must be sustained.

His words: “We must re-orient the mindset of students, staff (Academic and non-teaching) manpower and Council that we all own this University on behalf of the entire people of Nigeria and destroying it would amount to destroying our own thing, and to build it up, would enhance our stature and bequeath a worthy legacy to a future generation”

Welcoming the new members of Council, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Isaac Adewole said the University management would work closely with the new Council, stressing that a robust relationship would enable the University to move forward.

The VC later took members on a general tour of places of interest on campus which included the International Conference Centre, UI Water Factory, Fire Station and Ajibode Extension, especially Wole Olanipekun Law Lecture Theatre.

Other places visited were some ongoing projects which included the Fish Farm, channelization of Oba Stream and the vertical extension of the medical Library of the College of Medicine.

At the College of Medicine, Gen. Adebayo drew the attention of staff to the inadequate funding of Universities and charged them to rededicate themselves. “A lot of money is being spent on all Universities unlike when your University is the only one. I appeal to you to continue to do your best for this University. UI is a pride to all of us”, he said.

Accompanying the Chairman on the visits were Amb. Lawrence Ekpebu (External Member) Senator Doguwa El-Jubril (External Member) Barr. Samuel Nwatu (External Member) Dr. Uche Mba (External Member) and Dr. Nathaniel Merenu (External Member).

Others were Prof. Arinola O. Sanya, Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration), Prof. Idowu Olayinka Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic), , Prof. Bayo Okunade (Internal Member), Prof. Bankole Oke (Internal Member), Prof. Ezekiel Ayoola (Internal Member) Prof. Oluwole Abatan (Internal Member) and Mr. Olujimi Olukoya, Registrar and Secretary to Council.

Also on the visits were Mr. Olaniyi Aponmade, Bursar, Dr. Benedict Oladele, University Librarian, Prof. Olusegun Akinyinka , Provost, College of Medicine, Mr. Olatunji Oladejo, Director of Public Communication and Mr. Ibukun Akinbola, acting Deputy Registrar (Council)