‘No institution can exist as island in academic world’

Deputy vice chancellor, Administration of the University of Ibadan, Professor Peter Olapegba, has saId that no institution can exist as an island in the academic world, hence the need for strong and meaningful collaborations.

He therefore tasked the students and alumni of the institution to be worthy ambassadors of the university by upholding the culture of discipline, excellence and integrity for which the institution is renowned.

He gave the charge while receiving Professor Efren Delgado of New Mexico State University, academic staff from the Faculty of Agriculture and the Department of Animal Science in particular, which paid a courtesy visit to the office of the Vice Chancellor, Professor Kayode Adebowale. 

The advice became imperative due to the collaborations being facilitated between the two institutions by a PhD student from the Department of Animal Science, UI, Mr Muhammad Oluwakemi, who has just concluded a research expedition at the New Mexico State University where he distinguished himself.

The DVC lauded Mr Oluwakemi’s academic brilliance and admirable character, which, according to him, created a positive impression and encouraged the New Mexico State University to seek possible collaborations with the UI.

Professor Olapegba noted that this development is a reminder to all students that their behaviour and achievements, both within and outside the institution directly or indirectly influence its reputation.

He expressed his delight about prospective collaborations, emphasising the university’s readiness to embrace such a partnership.

Professor Olapegba stressed that the partnership could be extended to other departments and units within the university with similar research focus and services, urging the Faculty of Agriculture to look beyond the Department of Animal Science and broaden the collaboration and consequently have a far-reaching impact and benefit for a wider spectrum of the academic community.

The DVC also pointed out that the university is not merely interested in signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) but is committed to ensuring that such an agreement translates into an active, practical engagement.

He recommended that the MoU should include provisions for the training of postgraduate students, particularly in line with the University of Ibadan’s growing emphasis on postgraduate education, saying UI is being positioned to train the critical mass of manpower for other universities in Nigeria.

In his remarks, the representative of the New Mexico State University, Professor Efren Delgado, stated that his visit was a mentor follow-up visitation, which also gave him an opportunity to discuss possible collaborations with the University of Ibadan.

Professor Delgado, who conveyed warm greetings of the dean of his Faculty, also expressed his institution’s enthusiasm to establish an active and mutually beneficial collaboration with the University of Ibadan and the corresponding department in his university.

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