The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, Professor Kayode O. Adebowale , mni, FAS, has stated that there are enough reasons to thank God for the University of Ibadan because God’s faithfulness had kept the community.
He made the assertion at the special Jumat service to celebrate the University’s 75th anniversary held at the University of Ibadan Central Mosque.
His address was delivered on his behalf by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor Academic, Professor Aderonke M. Baiyeroju.
Professor Adebowale said that gathering for the 2023 Special Jumat service showed that God answered the prayers offered during the 2022 convocation ceremony, and we must, therefore, give all thanks to God.
He acknowledged that the Muslim community in UI is an important and indispensable entity that has been contributing to the all – round development of the University of Ibadan.
The Vice-Chancellor stated further that the UI Muslim community truly exemplified the core precept of Islam as a religion of peace.
Prof. Adebowale noted that the University of Ibadan at 75 is a landmark celebration that calls for the counting of blessings and a sober reflection on our gains and losses, especially as a people.
He said UI has become a global brand, and the alumni are all over the world performing excellently in all fields of human endeavour.
According to the Vice-Chancellor, the Times Higher Education Rankings,
still rate UI as one of the best in West Africa, Africa, and being within the 400 to 600 bracket in the world.
He mentioned that the current poor financial situation that plagues public universities in Nigeria is also affecting UI, as funding from the government remains a big challenge.
Professor Adebowale, therefore, thanked the University Muslim community for its prayers over the years and solicited that prayers be intensified for God to teach the leadership the right way, wisdom, knowledge, and the fear of God.
He assured the University community that the administration will continue to strive to provide an enabling environment for everyone to practice religion without any hindrance.
The President, UI Muslim community, Professor Musiliu Onilude, in his welcome address, counselled graduands to adhere to the message of perseverance and hope preached by the Chief Imam.
He congratulated the Vice-Chancellor, parents, and graduands for the successful completion of their academic programmes.
The Chief Imam of the University of Ibadan Central Mosque, Prof. M. Abdul-Rahmon Oloyede had earlier led the convocation special Jumat prayer in the mosque.
