In a remarkable display of generosity and solidarity, representatives of the MBBS/BDS Class of 1984 paid a courtesy visit to the Provost of the College of Medicine, University of Ibadan (CoMUI), Professor Olayinka Omigbodun FAS, on 25th May, 2023, to express their support for the ongoing building project for the students’ hostel.
The Provost received them in the company of the President of the Ibadan College of Medicine Alumni Association Worldwide (ICOMAA WW), Professor Emmanuel Otolorin; the Deputy Provost, Professor Ade Fatai Adeniyi and the Secretary to the College, Mr. Emmanuel Odedele.
During the visit, Dr. Akin Sodipo, a private practitioner, Dr. Lara Adelowo (nee Adeleye), a former head of the Staff Clinic in the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, and Professor Adeniyi Adenipekun, a professor of radiotherapy at CoMUI, represented the MBBS/BDS Class of 1984. They made an official presentation of the first tranche of their set's financial contribution to the students' hostel building project.
The Provost, Professor Olayinka Omigbodun FAS, excitedly displays the first tranche of the financial contribution of the MMBS/BDS Class of 1984 towards the students’ hostel building project.
In his remarks, Dr. Sodipo conveyed the collective excitement of the MBBS/BDS Class of 1984 in being able to contribute to such a transformative initiative. He highlighted the deep sense of pride and fulfilment that his class felt in supporting their alma mater and the future generations of students at the College of Medicine, University of Ibadan.
In her response, the Provost graciously recognized the indispensable role that alumni play in the growth and advancement of educational institutions. She extended her heartfelt gratitude to the MBBS/BDS class of 1984 for their remarkable and substantial contribution towards the ongoing building project. Her appreciation was extended to each donor as she acknowledged their selflessness and dedication in supporting the initiative. She also emphasized the inclusive nature of the project as the mandate is that every alumnus should contribute one million naira each towards the building of the students' hostel. This collective effort aims to reach the target cap of 2.5 billion naira.
The Provost unveiled plans for the building project to serve as an investment space for the college, showcasing the commitment of alumni from around the world. Emphasizing the collective effort, she highlighted that the alumni's involvement would be from the building committee to the eventual management of the hostel. She argued that this inclusive approach ensures a strong connection between the project and the alumni community's aspirations. She said that to ensure transparency, quarterly Zoom meetings will be held with the alumni, providing comprehensive reports on fund utilization. The Provost also expressed the importance of regular updates and pledged to implement the suggestion of a monthly newsletter to keep the alumni and wider community informed of the project's progress, achievements, and milestones.
The Provost, Professor Olayinka Omigbodun FAS, speaking with the representatives of the MBBS/BDS class of 1984.
Professor Adeniyi Adenipekun, in agreement with the Provost's suggestion, emphasized the importance of the newsletter in providing comprehensive information and increasing visibility for the ongoing work. Dr. Lara Adelowo equally stressed that regular updates through the newsletter would enhance accountability and transparency, deepening trust in the management of the donated funds. She stated that the monthly newsletter would ensure that stakeholders are carried along throughout the building process, fostering a sense of involvement and confidence.
Dr. Adelowo further expressed her admiration for the Provost's administrative efforts, energy, and enthusiasm in leading significant changes at the College of Medicine, University of Ibadan. She described the Provost's leadership as a breath of fresh air and commended her commitment to creating an environment that promotes intellectual and personal growth.
Prof. Otolorin also expressed his profound gratitude to the MBBS/BDS class of 1984 for their visit and reiterated his unwavering commitment to fostering accountability in the project. He assured the team members that their efforts will be met with transparency and a steadfast commitment to upholding the trust placed in them.
The representatives of the MBBS/BDS class of 1984 presented a cheque of thirty million naira only (N30,000,000). The Provost acknowledged previous individual contributions from the set and mentioned that the total contribution accrued to the set so far is forty million and five hundred thousand naira (N40,500,000)
As the construction of the Students' Hostel progresses, the College remains resolute in its mission to provide an environment that nurtures excellence in medical education. With the collective efforts of alumni and the wider community, the institution aims to solidify its position as a leading centre of medical education.
From L-R: Professor Adeniyi Adenipekun, Dr. Akin Sodipo, Dr. Lara Adelowo (representatives of the MBBS/BDS class of 1984), Professor Emmanuel Otolorin (President, ICOMAA-WW), Professor Olayinka Omigbodun (Provost, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan), Professor Fatai Adeniyi (Deputy Provost, CoMUI), and the Secretary to the College, Mr. Emmanuel Odedele.