The Vice Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, Professor Kayode Adebowale, has announced a partnership with the Oyo State Police Command to address security concerns at the institution.
Speaking during the university’s 76th Foundation Day celebration on Monday, Adebowale highlighted the importance of the collaboration in improving safety on campus. At the event, 485 graduates were awarded Doctor of Philosophy degrees.
Dignitaries in attendance included President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, represented by the Minister of State for Education, Dr. Suwaiba Ahmad; Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, represented by Deputy Governor Barrister Abdul-Raheem Adebayo Lawal; Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum; the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Akinloye Owolabi Olakulehin, represented by the Otun Olubadan, Oba (Senator) Rasidi Adewolu Ladoja; Senator Sharafadeen Abiodun Alli (Oyo South); and leaders of the Muslim Ummah of South West Nigeria (MUSWEN), Alhaji Rasaki Oladejo and Professor Muslih Tayo Yahya.
Adebowale noted that security challenges had grown significantly over the past decade, prompting the university to seek assistance from the Oyo State Police Command to bolster the efforts of its security unit. He praised the contributions of Professor S. G. Jonathan, Chairman of the Council Committee on Security, for his role in improving campus safety.
“With these efforts, security breaches have significantly reduced, creating a safer environment across our campuses,” Adebowale said. He also assured that the university would continue supporting its security initiatives to sustain these achievements.
In addition to security, Adebowale identified power supply as one of the institution’s most pressing challenges. He revealed that rising energy costs had significantly increased the university’s monthly electricity bills, prompting ongoing discussions with the Federal Ministry of Power for solutions.
He appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for special priority attention, including dedicated funding for reconstruction and rehabilitation, as well as increased allocations to support the university’s growth.
“As Nigeria’s oldest university and a national academic heritage, the University of Ibadan deserves a special status with sufficient resources to transform it into a global hub for academic excellence,” Adebowale said.
He also highlighted other challenges, such as internet connectivity, aging infrastructure, and the need for expansion, emphasizing the importance of adequate funding and support to maintain the institution’s role as Nigeria’s intellectual capital.