Are you one of those who have assisted the University of Ibadan at one time or the other? Well, the Vice Chancellor of the citadel of knowledge, Professor Abel Idowu Olayinka has announced that plans are underway to celebrate all those that have helped build the educational brand.
He also added “UI attained the present enviable status because some people gave sacrificially for the benefit of the institution.”
Consequently, the UI boss disclosed that as part of the preparations for the 70th anniversary of the university, coming up next year, names of all UI benefactors were being compiled so as to celebrate and appreciate them for their contributions to the development of the institution.
Prof. Olayinka who was speaking at the commissioning of the 410 square metre-access road to the Department of Veterinary Pathology constructed by a business mogul and a philanthropist, Chief Dr. Raymond Zard described the gesture as fantastic and impressive coming at a time the country is going through recession .
According to Prof. Olayinka, “Chief Zard is a great man who truly loves the university. He could have decided to abandon us since we honoured him 27 years ago with an honourary degree, but he keeps assisting the university every year with financial assistance to the indigent students. Some of those who benefited from his financial aid are today working across the globe. We will forever be grateful to him.
Earlier, the Dean of the Veterinary Medicine, Prof. James Olopade had told the gathering various assistance that Chief Zard had rendered to the Faculty including repairing of all the air conditioners and generating sets in the Faculty as well as fueling the generators.
Prof. Olopade recalled that “last week, one of our former students was thanking me for recommending him for the Zard’s financial assistance which enabled him to graduate. The former student said he couldn’t have graduated without the financial assistance coming from Zard. Indeed, Chief Ramond Zard has been of immense help to the university”
In his remarks, Chief Zard who described the University of Ibadan as part of his life vowed that he would continue to assist the university with his resources because “it is a great university”
Represented by his consultant, Mr. Biola ‘Layonu, Chief Zard stated that in 1990, on the recommendations of the Senate, UI conferred on him the Honourary Degree of Doctor of Laws (LL.D.) during the tenure of Prof. Ayo Banjo as VC.
“Since then, I have been involved in the award of scholarship to indigent students of the Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Economics among others. With God on my side, I will continue to support UI”, he said.
Packaged by Alice Egbedele
