UI DLC fetes former officers at send-off party

A THIRTY-THREE officers of the University of Ibadan who had served the Distance Learning Centre of the institution in one capacity or the other between 1991 and 2016 were on Friday honoured at a sendoff party.

The event took place inside the Professor Isaac Folorunsho Adewole (PIFA) Hall of the Computer-Based Testing Centre (CBT), Ajibode Extention, Ibadan.

In his opening remarks at the event, the director of the Distance Learning Centre, Professor Bayo Okunade, noted that the fact that the event was taking place on that particular piece of land was significant.

He particularly paid glowing tribute to the former vice chancellor of the university and now Minister of Health, Professor Isaac Folorunsho Adewole (who was physically present at the event) for the role he played in making the UI DLC a reality.

Okunade also commended all the honorees, saying that because of the feat made jointly possible by them (honorees), “the UI DLC has become a reference point in distance learning in Nigeria.”

He also acknowledged and praised the current vice chancellor, Professor Abel Olayinka, for his role in building and sustaining the Centre, noting particularly that the university under him had not made the DLC a “cash cow” by relying on it to run the regular programmes.

Professor Andy Fadoju, in his comments on the honorees, described Adewole’s emergence as the then vice chancellor as a blessing, and applauded the members of staff for their meritorious service.

The vice chancellor, Professor Olayinka, noted with satisfaction that while space had remained a problem in Nigeria’s tertiary education delivery, the UI DLC had been opening up access.

“You’re doing a good job,” he told the Professor Okunade-led team, while

also commending the DLC for deeming it fit to honour officers for their service, saying “I think the recognition of greatness in others is itself a sign of greatness.”

Professor Adewole in his remarks said that coming to UI gives him a sense of nostalgia. He urged the current vice chancellor to continue the legacy of projecting UI positively.

The minister described the CBT Centre as probably the most important investment made by the University of Ibadan, and thanked the university for maintaining the structure.

He also thanked the management of the DLC for the honour, and pledged to continue to support the institution in every way he could.

Gifts were thereafter presented to the honorees, beginning with Professor Adewole.

Other former and current officers of the university that were given award at the event include the vice chancellor, Professor Abel Olayinka; the registrar of the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN), Professor Segun Ajiboye; and his wife, Ruth; and Mr I. O. Aponmade.