The Guest Preacher at the 75th Foundation Day service of the University of Ibadan, the Most Rev. Dr. Cyril O. Odutemu, Archbishop of Ecclesiastical Province of Bendel, Anglican Communion, Ugheli, Delta State, has stated that UI is a land of upliftment, fulfillment and greatness.
According to him, UI gave him the opportunity to acquire knowledge.
He made these statements at the 75th Foundation Day post service reception held at the Chapel of the Resurrection, University of Ibadan.
Dr. Odutemu said the University of Ibadan has people of intelligence, ability, and capability to rule this country successfully if given the chance.
He said alumni of the University are doing very well everywhere in the world.
Dr. Odutemu, therefore, prayed that God would supply the needs of the University. He also prayed that the Vice-Chancellor would never fail, falter, or fall.
The Archbishop recalled that his father made unsuccessful efforts to attend UI, but he was able to obtain four certificates – Diploma, Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctor of Philosophy degrees from the University.
The Chairman of the Chapel Committee, Professor E. O. Ogunkola said the Chapel had contributed immensely to the development of the University through its welfare programmes, especially for indigent students.
The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Kayode O. Adebowale, mni, FAS, thanked God for His mercy and protection over the University of Ibadan in the last 75 years.
Quoting copiously from Psalm 124, Professor Adebowale said God had been on the side of the University, and so, it ought to roll out the drums for the celebration.
The Vice-Chancellor urged all the people to pray for the success of the many activities already lined up for the year-long-celebration.
He appreciated the Chapel for its past spiritual and socio-economic contributions to the development of the University.
The Registrar, Mr. Ganiyu O. Saliu thanked the Chapel for helping to ensure that peace and tranquillity pervaded the campus.
He assured that the management would lead, care for the students, and serve the nation with the fear of God.
He said the management would help ensure that the University lives up to the words of the Anthem “Help to build a world that is truly free”
The Chaplain, The Ven. Dr. V. I. Oladele noted that the University had grown in leaps and bounds since its establishment.
He said a mutually beneficial symbiotic relationship had existed between the Chapel and the University.
Dr. Oladele stated that fixing Nigeria should start in the universities. He submitted that the country has a lot of intellectuals that could proffer solutions to the problems of the country. “Let your voices be heard concerning the ills of our land,” he said.
The Archbishop in his sermon at the Foundation Day Service had charged the Congregation to ” Honour your father and mother” and to “Fear the Lord, Your God,” adding that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.
The highlight of the service was the recognition and decoration of 97 years old, Professor Felicia Adetowun Omolara Ogunseye, who was one of the pioneer students at the laying of the foundation of the University in 1948.
Professor Ogunseye, the first Nigerian female professor, was honoured by the Women’s Fellowship of the Chapel of the Ressurection led by the wife of the Chaplain, Mrs Lovette Oladele.
The first scripture was read by the Registrar from Ecclesiastes 12:9-14, while the Vice Chancellor read the second scripture from 1 Peter 2 13 – 17.
Prayers were offered for the Principal Officers, all staff, students, the Church, and the nation.
