The Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Administration of the University of Ibadan, Professor Peter O. Olapegba, FNPA, fspsp has charged students and alumni of the institution to be worthy ambassadors of the university by upholding the culture of discipline, excellence, and integrity for which the institution is renowned.
He gave this charge on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Kayode O. Adebowale, mni, FAS, fspsp while receiving Professor Efren Delgado of New Mexico State University, academic staff from the Faculty of Agriculture and the Department of Animal Science in particular, who paid a courtesy visit to the Office of the Vice Chancellor.
The visit was inspired by the exemplary conduct of Mr. Muhammad Oluwakemi, a PhD. student of the Department of Animal Science who has just concluded a research expendition at the New Mexico State University where he distinguished himself and facilitated collaborations between the two institutions.
The DVC lauded Mr Oluwakemi’s academic brilliance and admirable character, which, according to him, created a positive impression and encouraged the New Mexico State University to seek possible collaborations with the University of Ibadan.
Professor Olapegba noted that this development is a reminder to all students that their behaviour and achievements, both within and outside the university, directly influence the institution’s reputation.
He further expressed his delight about prospective collaborations, emphasizing the university’s readiness to embrace such a partnership.
According to him, no institution can exist as an island in the academic world, hence the need for strong and meaningful collaborations.
Professor Olapegba stressed that the partnership could be extended to other departments and units within the university with similar research focus and services, urging the Faculty of Agriculture to look beyond the Department of Animal Science and broaden the collaboration and consequently
have a far-reaching impact and benefit for a wider spectrum of the academic community.
The Deputy Vice-Chancellor also pointed out that the university is not merely interested in signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) but is committed to ensuring that such an agreement translates into an active, practical engagement.
He recommended that the MoU should include provisions for the training of postgraduate students, particularly in line with the University of Ibadan’s growing emphasis on postgraduate education, saying UI is being positioned to train the critical mass of manpower for other universities in Nigeria.
The representative of the New Mexico State University, Professor Efren Delgado, stated that his visit was a mentor follow-up visitation, which would also give him an opportunity to discuss possible collaborations with the University of Ibadan.
He expressed his institution’s enthusiasm to establish an active and mutually beneficial collaboration with the University of Ibadan and the corresponding department in his university.
Professor Delgado conveyed warm greetings from the Dean of his Faculty.