…As VC Says Alumni Roles Crucial To Varsity Sustainability
Sam Philip
Members of the Alumni Association of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko (AAUA) have re-elected a University lecturer and former president of the association, Dr. Olumide Olugbemi-Gabriel as President of the association at its 2024 National Convention held on the campus weekend.
All delegates of the association from different branches converged on the campus for the election of the executive that would midwife the affairs of the alumni association for another term after the expiration of the tenure of the previous executive.
Having found some members of the previous executive led by Dr. Dr. Olugbemi-Gabriel worthy, the delegates re-elected them into offices.
Other members of the executive re-elected include the Secretary of Ekiti State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists(NUJ), O’Seun Ogunsakin as National Publicity Officer; Bode Oyegoke (VP1); Nurudeen Saka Olokungboye (VP 2), Dr. Yusau Kazeem (Secretary), Dr. John Akinselure (Legal Adviser); while the former Treasurer, Akinyemi Akintan was elected to occupy the newly created office of the National Social and Welfare Officer.
Others elected for the first time are Akeem Osasona (Director, ICT); Hellen Salu Yekeen (Director of Women Affairs), Dr Layi Oladipupo (Ex officio 1), Adebola Ogunade (Financial Secretary); Muyiwa Akinnadeju (Treasurer), Beke Stephen (AGS) and Damilare as Ex officio 2.
In his acceptance speech, the President of the Association, Dr. Olugbemi-Gabriel, appreciated members of the Association for the confidence reposed in him as well as their sacrifices and contributions to the association.
He noted that the Alumni Association remains a platform that would continue to give back to the university, rather than seeking personal gains.
Speaking on his achievements in the previous term, Dr. Olugbemi-Gabriel stated that his administration had in the last two years restored confidence in the leadership of the Association by resumption of construction work on the Alumni Hostel project and redeeming the of N250,000 pledged to the University’s Best Graduating Student.
He further explained that the Association donated a 5KVA solar power generating set to the Exams and Record unit of the University last year, while a new website aauaalumniglobal.org.ng is underway with a view to enhancing the image of the Association.
Earlier, the Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof. Olugbenga Ige, emphasised on the crucial role of alumni’s support in the development of varsities.
He emphasized that no institution in the country could attain full growth without the support of the Alumni Association.
Prof. Ige, who was represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor(Administration), Prof. Adebisi Daramola, stated that said there is need for alumni associations to consistently give unwavering support for the advancement of their alma maters most especially now that many higher institutions of learning are competing for the inadequate government funds.
He said: “No university is fully developed without the support of alumni and our university is ready to collaborate with this association.
“There are three state universities in Ondo State competing for funding and aside from that, AAUA now has an additional 11 programmes requiring funding. You cannot talk about standard education without instituting appropriate programmes.”
Prof. Ige, therefore, urged the alumni to keep representing the good image of the university and never be complacent.
“We envision a time when an alumni will become the Vice Chancellor of the university. I commend your effort as an association and advise you to continue your good work in further advancing the university,” the vice chancellor said.
In his address, the guest speaker, Prof. Benson Igboin, who spoke on the theme: “Revisiting University Sustainability: The Roles of the Alumni Association,” said university’s sustainability relies on developing the minds of students and alumni for advanced learning.
He said: “Education institutions should cultivate minds through advanced learning. If you train the mind, it can reproduce technical knowledge and skills. Developing the mind is more important than acquiring skills.”
Prof. Igboin, however, cautioned that the way a university treats its students would determine how they relate to or network with the institution in the future.
He, therefore, stressed that universities should foster collaboration among lecturers and students to solve real-world problems and drive positive change.
According to him, “A university’s ability to maintain its standard for societal development despite external challenges is crucial for sustainability.
“Sustainability is achieved when a university upholds its standards and values. Unfortunately, many universities struggle to survive, let alone achieve sustainability.”
At the event, two popular groundnut sellers on the university campus, Mrs. Nimota Yunusa (Iya Chemistry) and Mrs Mulika Mustapha (Iya Computer) were inducted honorary members of the Alumni Association.
They were awarded honorary membership in recognition of their dedication and commitment to the university over the past 25 years.
The Alumni association also gave them cash gifts to boost their businesses.