The College Leadership was delighted to receive the President, Ibadan College of Medicine Alumni Association (ICOMAA), United Kingdom and Ireland, Dr. Layi Ajileye, a distinguished alumnus of the MBBS/BDS Class of 1997 in the company of his dear wife Mrs. Olabisi Ajileye on a courtesy visit to the Provost, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Professor Olayinka O. Omigbodun on Tuesday, 08 August 2023. The team which was accompanied by Professor M. O. Owolabi, also a distinguished alumnus of the MBBS/BDS Class of 1997 was received by the Deputy Provost, Professor A.F. Adeniyi representing the Provost, who was out of the country at the time. Also on ground to welcome the guests was the Deputy Registrar and Secretary to the College, Mr A.E. Odedele.
The Deputy Provost expressed his delight by mentioning that the College was always ready to receive its alumni in view of the existing strong relationship between alumni and the College. He explained further that the Alumni are the livewire of the institution thereby necessitating the need for strong ties between the two entities. The Deputy Provost further expatiated the roles of the alumni in the areas of student welfare and the construction of a new hostel to accommodate students of the College as one of the major requirements that needed to be met for the full accreditation of the MBBS and BDS Programmes of the College as stipulated by the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN). He noted that the alumni have been responding positively to the ongoing fundraising for the hostel Project. He also spoke about the Sponsor a Student Programme (SASP) which is an initiative of the College in partnership with the ICOMAA. He explained that the SASP, in the last three years of this administration, had continued to attract interest from the Alumni and other friends of the College who have been contributing generously to ensure that indigent students are financially supported.
In his remarks, the President of the ICOMAA UK and Ireland, Dr. Layi Ajileye was full of appreciation to the leadership of the College for facilitating his emergence as President of the ICOMAA group as he reiterated his commitment to support the College with regards to the ongoing construction of student hostel which he promised will be completed and delivered within the given time. He also reassured the Management of the College that the ICOMAA UK and Ireland would do everything within its powers to ensure that the College remains at the top of the chart in terms of ranking. Dr. Ajileye especially appreciated the Provost, Professor Olayinka O. Omigbodun for obliging his visit to the College while describing the Provost’s gesture in this regard as highly commendable.
The Deputy Provost noted that a few months ago, the donations received for the hostel construction project had reached 48% of the necessary funds. However, considering the prevailing widespread inflation, particularly affecting the cost of building materials, this percentage has since decreased. Despite these challenges, the emphasis remains on the ongoing efforts in fundraising to bridge the financial gap and ensure the successful completion of the project. He also reiterated that individual donations and special donations from groups are highly appreciated. He, therefore, requested the President, ICOMAA UK and Ireland to take the message back to the group in the UK and Ireland to encourage more donations towards the project. In her short remarks, Mrs. Ajileye welcomed the laudable initiative of the College and the ICOMAA regarding the SASP as she promised to key into the scheme for the purpose of establishing a formidable partnership with the College in this regard.
The ICOMAA UK and Ireland President did not come empty-handed as he donated two (2) sets of laminating machines (Buyounge) together with two packs of laminating pouches for the Offices of the Provost and the Deputy Provost. While receiving the equipment, the Deputy Provost thanked the Donor for the smart donation as he mentioned that the entire College was favourably disposed to receiving the donation as there was no laminating equipment in the College as he stated the equipment would be put to good use.
The Secretary to the College gave the vote of thanks by appreciating the ICOMAA UK and Ireland under the distinguished leadership of Dr. Layi Ajileye for being so thoughtful about giving back to their alma mater. He also thanked Dr. Ajileye by aligning himself with the College in the area of technology-driven activities through his lofty donation of laminating machines. He also extended appreciation to the wife of Dr. Ajileye for her numerous supports and for deeming it fit to be in the company of her husband to pay a courtesy visit to his alma mater.
The Team was later led by the Deputy Provost to visit the E. Latunde Odeku Medical Library where the team inspected an alternative power source previously donated by the MBBD/BDS Class of 1997. The team was received by the Medical Librarian, Dr Grace Ajuwon. The team also visited the construction site of the new hostel where they were received by the contractor, Architect Kunle Abass who took them round the site. During the site visit, Dr. Ajileye restated his commitment to assisting and supporting the ongoing project. Prayers were offered by Mrs. Ajileye on site while the team left at 1.15 pm.
