Basking in the euphoria of the 60th Anniversary (53rd) Convocation ceremonies, President of the University of Lagos Alumni, Engr. Ife Oyedele, FNSE has assured the institution of the association’s unalloyed support.
He made this known when he led new executive members of the association on a courtesy visit to the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Folasade T. Ogunsola, FAS at the Senate House on Thursday, January 19, 2023.
Engr. Oyedele during the visit re-echoed the importance of the alumni body to the University of Lagos. He said that in the past, alumni relations, or engagement, tended to be treated as a stand-alone activity divorced from fundraising and other advancement activities.
The visibly excited alumni President expressed optimism in the leadership prowess of the newly robed 13th Vice-Chancellor whom he described as a woman with unparalleled academic brilliance and unblemished moral ethos.
In his words “…Prof Ogunsola did not get ready for this role now, she has always been ready as evident in her journey. As such, I am looking forward to transformational leadership under your watch. I want to reassure you that the alumni will walk the path with you”.
On the need to sustain the values of the prestigious university, the 1982 -set graduate lamented the difficulties being faced by alumni as regards transcript issuance. He, however, posited that the alumni association will join forces with the university to resolve the transcript issuance challenge such that the process becomes seamless, as well as other institutions’ advancement activities. He emphasized that under his leadership, the association’s relevance will soar considerably with philanthropic gestures in its quest to make a huge impact on the society through the University.
In response, the Vice Chancellor thanked the President and expressed confidence in the leadership of the alumni. While expressing appreciation on the support the institution has enjoyed from the association, she explained that the role of the Alumni could be so significant with the right attitude.
Prof. Ogunsola unequivocally emphasized that being an alumnus and receiving all the perks that come along with it is a two-way street, noting that alumni participation is critical to building and maintaining a strong community within the university.
She stressed the need for the association to create an environment of unparalleled versatility, technical capabilities in people and infrastructure. According to her, there is a need to continue to build worldwide alliances focused on arts, science and engineering for young people, while addressing gender balance and the needs of developing countries and emerging economies through collaborations.
The importance of having new structures on campus was also highlighted during the visit. The helmswoman remarked that some notable edifices which were built several years ago are gradually becoming old-fashioned. She, therefore, called for the alumni’s support in the construction of new structures that would dominate the city’s skyline, with a majestic and alluring architectural designs that are disability-friendly.
On issue of transcript-issuance and its many related issues, the Vice-Chancellor assured that the university leadership will continue to intensify efforts to resolve the challenges associated with transcript-issuance process.
The visit was rounded off with a gift presentation to the President by the Vice Chancellor and a photograph with the newly elected executives.
