The Vice-Chancellor of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, Professor Olugbenga Ige, has stressed the crucial role of alumni support in the development of universities.
Professor Ige, who stated this in a speech at the 2024 National Convention of the Adekunle Ajasin University (AAUA) Alumni Association, held at Akungba said no institution can attain full growth without the backing of the Alumni Association.
Ige, represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Prof. Adebisi Daramola, said amid state universities competing for government funding, there is a need for alumni associations to constantly give unwavering support for the advancement of their alma mater.
The Vice-Chancellor said: “No university is fully developed without the support of alumni and our university is ready to collaborate with this association. There are three state universities in Ondo State competing for funding and aside from that, AAUA now has an additional 11 programmes requiring funding. You cannot talk about standard education without instituting appropriate programmes.”
He urged the alumni to keep representing the good image of the university and never be complacent, saying “We envision a time when an alumni will become the Vice Chancellor of the university. I commend your effort as an association and advise you to continue your good work in further advancing the university.”
Delegates from branches making up the Adekunle Ajasin University (AAUA) Alumni Association on the occasion re-elected a university lecturer, Dr Olumide Olugbemi-Gabriel as President and also re-elected the Secretary of Ekiti State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), O’Seun Ogunsakin, as National Publicity Officer, and Bode Oyegoke (VP1).
Others re-elected are Nurudeen Saka Olokungboye (VP 2); Dr Yusau Kazeem (Secretary); Dr John Akinselure (Legal Adviser); while the former Treasurer, Akinyemi Akintan was elected to occupy the newly created office of the National Social and Welfare Officer.
Others elected for the first time are Akeem Osasona (Director, ICT); Hellen Salu Yekeen (Director of Women Affairs); Dr Layi Oladipupo (Ex officio 1); Adebola Ogunade (Financial Secretary); Muyiwa Akinnadeju (Treasurer); Beke Stephen (AGS) and Damilare as Ex officio 2.
In his speech, the President of the association, Dr. Olugbemi-Gabriel, expressed gratitude to members of the association for their sacrifices and contributions, saying “An alumni association should be a platform that gives back to the university, rather than seeking personal gains.”
He said his administration had in the last two years restored confidence in the leadership of the association by continuing work on the Alumni Hostel project as well as redeeming the pledge of N250,000 to the university’s best graduating student.
He added that the association, last year, donated a 5KVA solar power generating set to the Exams and Records unit of the university while also coming up with a new website to enhance the image of the association.
Earlier, the guest speaker on the occasion, Prof. Benson Igboin, speaking on the theme “Revisiting University Sustainability: The Roles of the Alumni Association,” said university sustainability relied on developing the minds of students and alumni for advanced learning.
He said: “Education institutions should cultivate minds through advanced learning. If you train the mind, it can reproduce technical knowledge and skills. Developing the mind is more important than acquiring skills.”
Professor Igboin noted that students were potential alumni and that the way a university treated them would determine how they relate to or network with the institution in the future.
He advised universities to foster collaboration among lecturers and students to solve real-world problems and drive positive change.
A statement by the National Publicity Officer, O’Seun Ogunsakin, said two popular groundnut sellers in the university, Mrs. Nimota Yunusa (Iya Chemistry) and Mrs. Mulika Mustapha (Iya Computer) were inducted as honourary members Alumni Association.
Ogunsakin said, “The duo were awarded honorary membership in recognition of their dedication and commitment to the university over the past 25 years and were given cash gifts to boost their businesses.”
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