Seventy Five graduates of University of Ibadan (UI) have been inducted into Pharmacy profession with the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Abel Idowu Olayinka admonishing the inductees to be good ambassadors of the institution.
The VC who had earlier inaugurated multimillion Naira newly built Pharmacy Faculty where he promised to continue to judiciously spread the resources of the University in an equitable manner, advised the new Pharmacists to make positive impact to the healthcare delivery system by contributing to the distribution of quality medicines in the country.
“As at today, this Faculty which became full-fledged in 1983 has produced nearly 800 Pharmacists who are contributing immensely to the development of Nigeria and other nations of the world, either in the pharmaceutical, health or other sectors. Recently, Mrs. Olutayo Arikawe , an alumnae of this University was named the Pharmacist of the Year in the United Kingdom”, said the VC.
Prof. Olayinka who reiterated his commitment to the betterment of UI stated “my vision for UI is to make it a research-intensive institution for the transformation of Nigeria as a 21st century knowledge-driven, rapidly globalizing economy”, adding, “my mission is to create a high-performance University with outstanding teaching and learning facilities that is locally relevant, nationally preeminent and globally competitive and to produce graduates who are eminently employable .”
He therefore called for assistance from the parents, alumni, and well-wishers so as to make UI less dependent on government for funding.
Earlier, the Dean of the Faculty, Prof. Oluwatoyin Odeku had thanked the VC for devoting resources to build the Faculty complex, urging the University’s Management to complete the project by procuring furniture and other necessary facilities.
In his lecture, the keynote speaker, Pharmacist Gbenga Falabi advised the inductees to build on their knowledge as they go into the world, saying courage, competences and professionalism are required of them if they must make impact in the society.
Prizes were later given to those who distinguished themselves with Bamgboye, Adeboye Olakunle emerging as the Best Graduating Pharmacy Student.
