Oyo state governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, has charged the management of the premier university, University of Ibadan (UI), to reclaim the institution’s leadership position in the education sector of the country at the unveiling of the 75th anniversary on Saturday, promised to erect a pedestrian bridge in front of the university gate in a bid to reduce accidents.
The governor while unveiling of the 75th anniversary billboard beside the university senate building then solicited the cooperation of the university community, noting that the construction of the bridge would cause slight and temporary disruption of traffic in the area.
Makinde also challenged the institution management to start the process of reclaiming its position as the intellectual capital of Africa, promising that government would partner with it to achieve this feat.
He noted that the varsity used to be the intellectual capital of the African continent and not just of Nigeria, as ideas incubated at the institution went far and wide.
“Many leaders, especially from countries in the Southern and Eastern parts of Africa had one interaction or the other with the University of Ibadan in the past”, he added.
Earlier in his welcome address, the chairman of the anniversary committee, Prof. Peter Olapegba, eulogized the governor for his positive and significant disposition to the university.
He thanked the governor for being a true partner-in-progress of the university.
