In continuation of celebrating his numerous achievements in the almost five years, three additional impactful projects have been commissioned with the University of Ibadan (UI) Vice Chancellor (VC), Prof. Abel Idowu Olayinka expressing delight, saying, “I am so delighted executing many of these impactful projects which are going to add substantial values to the University”
The projects including Pedestrian Bridge at Nnamdi Azikwe Hall (Zik Hall), Construction of Mathematics Laboratory Buildings, and the Re-Development of Pig Farrowing Pen and Weaner /Grower Unit for Teaching and Research Farm were executed with the revitalization projects fund made available by the federal government and the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR).
Speaking at the commissioning ceremonies of these projects, Tuesday September 29, 2020, the VC who was visibly elated, noted that these projects were going to add substantial values to the University, urging the end-users to immediately take possession and put them to good use.
At the Pedestrian Bridge around Zik Hall, Prof. Olayinka who recalled how dangerous the hitherto wooden makeshift bridge was, remarked that as a student in 1978/79 session, he was part of many students crossing the river, using the wooden bridge which he said was very dangerous.
Disclosing how the idea of constructing a modern and permanent bridge came, the UI boss hinted that he was driving round the Campus when the idea struck him that a permanent and modern bridge could be constructed over the dangerous river, adding, ” I didn’t even know that many students had been silently mooting the idea.
According to him, “crossing this river through the former bridge had been a nightmare for students living in Zik Hall, Idia Hall, Awolowo Hall and many others. But as from now on, all these sad stories have become things of the past. This place will no longer be in the dark as we have put light . We thank God for the grace to do this. The utility of this bridge cannot be over-emphasized. We can still be living without it in the next 20 years, but we have done it. This is very dear to many students as I have been variously commended”
Earlier, the Dean, students’ affair, Prof. Isaac Adekeye Abiona who himself trekked on the former wooden bridge during his studentship days thanked Prof. Olayinka for his creativity and innovation, pointing out that many students will forever be grateful to him for the feat.
Prof. Abiona disclosed that there was a time students saw a crocodile in the river, which he said made crossing the river more dreadful and difficult.
In the same vein, Zik Hall Chairman, Mr. Emaraobhazi Aquah, on behalf of students, thanked the VC for executing a student- focused project which he observed would go a long way in ameliorating the plights of his colleagues.
At the Mathematics Laboratory Building commissioning, Prof. Ezekiel Ayoola told the VC that the laboratory became imperative for mathematics students who had been paying laboratory fees without anything to do practicals.
He however thanked the VC for completing the project, which he said started before the advent of this administration.
Commissioning the Pig Farrowing Pen at the Teaching and Research Farm, the VC was informed by the Director, Prof. Andrew Babatunde Omojola that the project was a major source of Internally Generated Revenue if the University could pump in money to stock pigs.
Prof. Olayinka promised that the University would not relent in expanding every avenue that would yield profits and add values.
Accompanying the VC were many top Management team and top senior officers of the University including the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration), Prof. Kayode Adebowale among others.
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