UI Proud of Its Graduates, Says VC

The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan (UI), Professor Kayode O. Adebowale, mni, FAS, fspsp, has reaffirmed the institution’s pride in the quality and global relevance of its graduates, describing them as thriving contributors to research and innovation around the world.

He made the remarks on Tuesday while receiving Professor Ushotanefe Efe Useh, Deputy Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences at North West University, South Africa, during a courtesy visit to his office.

Professor Adebowale, who described Professor Useh as a distinguished alumnus of UI, commended him for returning to his alma mater, noting the significance of such visits in strengthening institutional ties. He emphasized that the University of Ibadan continues to rely on its alumni and friends for strategic support.

“We are proud of the quality of graduates we produce,” the VC said. “They are globally competitive and making outstanding contributions in research and development. This visit is both symbolic and strategic, and we hope to deepen collaborations with institutions across Africa.”

The Vice-Chancellor disclosed that UI is gradually transitioning into a predominantly postgraduate institution, with a focus on advanced research that can sustain national development. He added that the university is reducing its undergraduate intake while increasing postgraduate admissions to align with this vision.

He also highlighted the institution’s ongoing efforts to strengthen partnerships with other African universities. “UI is a member of the African Research Universities Alliance (ARUA), and we host the Life and Earth Sciences Institute of the Pan African University here in Ibadan,” he noted.

Professor Adebowale further mentioned that the University has a dedicated Office of Alumni Relations to digitally document and engage its alumni network for future collaborations. He revealed that several UI alumni currently serve as adjunct lecturers, and extended an invitation to Professor Useh to contribute in similar capacity.

On the existing Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between UI and North West University, the VC stated that it aims to promote collaborative academic activities, staff and student exchanges, joint research initiatives, and mutually beneficial partnerships.

In his response, Professor Useh described his visit as a “homecoming,” noting that his academic foundation from UI paved the way for his international career, including a teaching role in the United Kingdom.

“A degree from the University of Ibadan is top-notch. It gave me the leverage I needed to progress in my academic journey,” he said.

Professor Useh noted that North West University places a strong emphasis on internationalization, with over 40,000 distance-learning students and a position among the top six universities in South Africa.

He expressed readiness to strengthen ties with UI in areas such as staff and student exchange, dual qualifications, industrial collaborations, and public-private partnerships.

The visit concluded with renewed commitments to deepen inter-institutional collaboration between the two leading African universities.