Professor Kayode O. Adebowale, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, emphasized the need for the fifty-one (51) federal universities in Nigeria to cultivate stronger ties with supporters such as friends, alumni, benefactors, and philanthropists, citing the strain on the Federal Government’s resources. He highlighted the inadequacy of government funding for universities and urged for supplementary support from various sectors.
During his visit, Professor Adebowale conveyed these sentiments while acknowledging a financial contribution from Club Twelve88 to four final-year students from the University of Ibadan and Obafemi Awolowo University. He said the financial hardships faced by some students is becoming unbearable and appreciated the donors, urging others to follow suit.
The Vice Chancellor advised the beneficiaries to utilize the funds responsibly and solely for educational purposes. In response, Rear Admiral Amos Gbadejo Adedeji (Rtd), President of Club Twelve88, Abuja, stated that the club’s decision to support students from University of Ibadan and Obafemi Awolowo University was to aid them in their academic endeavors.
He traced the club’s origins back to 1988 when 12 friends from Oyo State, residing in Abuja, established it to assist indigenes, needy students, and communities. Rear Admiral Adedeji disclosed plans for an annual donation to the Department of Computer Science in memory of his late wife, Mrs. Iyabo Monsurat Adedeji, an alumna of the University of Ibadan’s Computer Science program, also highlighting his own educational background in Peace and Strategic Studies at the university.
Accompanying him were Chief Tunde Faremi, a club member, and Emeritus Professor Timothy Olayiwola Egunjobi, formerly of the Department of Urban and Regional Planning at the University of Ibadan.
