University of Ibadan Alumni - Advancement Centre, University of Ibadan Alumni, Ibadan (2026)

29/07/2026

DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP ARE THE FUTURE, SAYS UI DVC
The University of Ibadan has reaffirmed its commitment to digital transformation, innovation and entrepreneurship as it partners with iDICE Digital and Creative Enterprises on the UI iDICE Digital and Creative Hub Project, a flagship initiative aimed at establishing a Digital and Creative Hub to strengthen innovation, entrepreneurship, digital skills development, startup incubation and industry collaboration.
Speaking on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration) of the University of Ibadan, Professor Peter O. Olapegba, FNPA, fspsp, said Universities must continually adapt to the rapidly changing digital landscape or risk being left behind. He made the remark while receiving the UI iDICE Design Team and Consortium on a courtesy visit on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor. Professor Olapegba observed that the world is changing at an unprecedented pace, with digital transformation and entrepreneurship becoming major drivers of economic growth. He noted that government can no longer serve as the largest employer of labour, making it imperative for universities to equip students with practical and entrepreneurial skills that will enable them to create jobs rather than depend solely on paid employment.
He explained that the University of Ibadan has begun rethinking its curriculum by embedding practical skills into every discipline, stressing that students, irrespective of their fields of study, should graduate with competencies that prepare them for the digital economy. According to him, the iDICE initiative aligns perfectly with the University's vision because it combines digital innovation with entrepreneurship to empower young people.
The Deputy Vice-Chancellor assured the consortium of the University's full support for the initiative, expressing confidence that the institution possesses the facilities, expertise and enabling environment needed for the successful implementation of the project. He added that the University would mobilise a substantial number of beneficiaries from the proposed 25,000 participants across the South-West as proposed by iDICE on the project, while extending opportunities to surrounding communities.
The courtesy visit formed part of the consortium's onsite assessment of the University ahead of the implementation phase of the project. The visit provided an opportunity for both parties to assess the University's readiness to host the proposed Digital and Creative Hub, inspect available facilities, identify infrastructure requirements and strengthen collaboration towards the successful establishment of the Centre of Excellence.
Professor Olapegba further noted that digital innovation is no longer confined to engineering and computer science but cuts across all academic disciplines. He explained that University of Ibadan students are already developing innovative digital solutions in different fields and affirmed that the institution has embraced digital transformation in its teaching, research and administrative processes. He assured the consortium that the University would provide the necessary support to ensure the successful implementation of the project.
Earlier, Mr. Segun Ogundairo, speaking on behalf of the visiting team, said the iDICE programme is designed to establish a Centre of Excellence that will promote digital and creative entrepreneurship through structured capacity building, hack-a-thons, innovation challenges, mentorship and improved access to funding opportunities.
He explained that the project aims to develop innovative solutions to societal challenges while supporting young innovators to transform their ideas into sustainable enterprises. According to him, the programme targets about 25,000 beneficiaries across the South-West, with at least 40 percent female participation, while also creating opportunities for youths outside formal educational institutions through community engagement. He noted that the Centre of Excellence would serve as a hub for innovation, startup incubation, industry partnerships and digital skills development, providing young innovators with opportunities to transform creative ideas into viable enterprises. He added that the consortium is seeking the University's support in providing a focal team, mobilising students and facilitating the successful establishment of the Centre.
Also speaking, the Environmental and Social Safeguards Officer for the project, Professor Jibril Mohammed, said the initiative is funded by the African Development Bank (AfDB), the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) and the French Development Agency (AFD). Professor Mohammed explained that the project places strong emphasis on environmental sustainability, occupational health and safety, social inclusion and accessibility for persons with disabilities. He said the proposed Centre of Excellence will incorporate renewable energy through solar power, provide emergency and safety facilities, ensure disability-friendly infrastructure, establish mechanisms for addressing gender-based violence, and promote responsible environmental management throughout the project lifecycle. He added that the project will run for three years under the supervision of the funding partners before ownership is transferred to the University of Ibadan. He urged the University to begin planning for the long-term sustainability of the Centre while assuring management of continuous technical support throughout the implementation period.
The courtesy visit concluded with a shared commitment by the University of Ibadan and the iDICE Design Team and Consortium to deepen collaboration towards establishing a fully funded Digital and Creative Hub that will promote innovation, entrepreneurship, digital skills development, startup incubation and industry partnerships, while enhancing the University's contribution to Nigeria's digital and creative ecosystem.

29/07/2026

UI MUST BECOME DIGITALLY COMPLIANT TO REMAIN RELEVANT IN A CHANGING WORLD, SAYS DVC

The Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Administration of the University of Ibadan, Professor Peter O. Olapegba, FNPA, fspsp, has called on the University community to embrace digital transformation in all aspects of its operations, stressing that institutions must continually evolve to remain relevant in an increasingly dynamic world.

Professor Olapegba made the call while receiving the organising committee of the Faculty of the Social Sciences' Third Annual Ibadan International Social Science Conference on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor during a courtesy visit to the Vice-Chancellor's Board Room.

Welcoming the team, Professor Olapegba congratulated the Faculty of the Social Sciences for sustaining the annual international conference over the past three years, describing it as a reflection of the Faculty's tradition of excellence and commitment to advancing scholarship.

Speaking on the conference theme, "Digital Transformation, Social Justice and Sustainability in a Dynamic World," he noted that the world is constantly evolving and that institutions that fail to adapt to change risk being left behind. He stated that the University of Ibadan must become digitally compliant by digitising its academic and administrative processes, including the Registry, Board Room operations, transcript processing, teaching, learning, research and library services.

According to him, the University's ongoing digital transformation has already improved service delivery, particularly through the seamless online processing of transcripts for recent graduates, while efforts are underway to digitise older records to ensure easier access for alumni.

Professor Olapegba added that digital technology has transformed teaching, learning and research by making knowledge and academic resources more accessible. He noted that virtual learning, online library services and digital research tools would continue to strengthen the University's academic activities while promoting social justice and sustainable development. He further encouraged members of the University community to embrace innovation and digital technologies as essential tools for building a sustainable future and maintaining the University's leadership in higher education.

Earlier, the Dean of the Faculty of The Social Sciences and Chairman of the Local Organising Committee, Professor Benjamin Ehigie, said the courtesy visit was to formally inform the University Management of the Faculty's Third Annual Ibadan International Social Science Conference, holding from 13 to 15 July 2026. Professor Ehigie disclosed that the conference commenced with a pre-conference workshop for postgraduate students, early-career researchers and members of staff. The workshop featured training sessions on the application of Artificial Intelligence in research as well as grant sourcing and proposal writing to strengthen participants' research capacity and improve their competitiveness for research funding.

He explained that the conference opening ceremony would feature a keynote address by the Director-General of the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs, Professor Eghosa Osaghae, followed by plenary and parallel sessions involving scholars, researchers and professionals from different institutions who would examine issues relating to digital transformation, social justice and sustainability.

Professor Ehigie noted that the conference would end with a communiqué containing recommendations aimed at promoting digital development, sustainability and social justice while contributing to policy discussions and reinforcing the University of Ibadan's position as the first and the best university in Nigeria.

24/06/2026

AFRICA MUST CHANGE THE NARRATIVE ON MINERAL WEALTH, SAYS UI VICE-CHANCELLOR

The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, Professor Kayode O. Adebowale, mni, FAS, has called for a change in the narrative surrounding African mineral wealth, stressing that the continent must move beyond exporting raw minerals and position itself as a driver of the next industrial revolution through research, innovation, and value addition.

Professor Adebowale made the call while receiving participants and organisers of the 10th SGA Metallogeny Short Course 2026 during a courtesy visit to the Vice-Chancellor's Board Room. During the visit, the Vice-Chancellor noted that Africa possesses enormous mineral resources but continues to export them in their raw form, only to import finished products at higher costs.

He emphasised that education, enlightenment, research, and capacity building are essential to reversing this trend, and ensuring that Africa derives greater value from its natural resources. He described the short course as a timely intervention capable of equipping a new generation of researchers with the knowledge and skills required to transform the continent's mineral resources sector.

Professor Adebowale further highlighted the longstanding contributions of the University of Ibadan's Department of Geology to geoscience education and research in Africa, noting that many leading professionals in the field received their training at the institution.

The Vice-Chancellor also underscored the importance of international collaboration and active institutional partnerships. He reiterated the University's commitment to ensuring that Memoranda of Understanding translate into tangible outcomes through research cooperation, capacity building, grant opportunities, staff and student exchanges, and joint academic initiatives. He directed that discussions be initiated with the visiting scholars towards developing a mutually beneficial Memorandum of Understanding between the University of Ibadan and relevant partner institutions.

Speaking earlier, Professor Beate Orberger described Nigeria as a country with immense human and mineral resource potential and noted that the short course provides an important platform for knowledge sharing, networking, and capacity building among geoscientists across Africa and beyond. She explained that the short course, organised by the Society for Geology Applied to Mineral Deposits (SGA), is designed to strengthen networks among geoscientists while providing students and early-career researchers with access to international expertise and training opportunities. She also noted that SGA works closely with international organisations, including the society of economic geologist (SEG) in the United States and is run by UNESCO. She explained that UNESCO has supported the short course initiative over the years through publicity and sponsorship opportunities for foreign students, helping to expand participation and strengthen Geoscience capacity building effort across Africa.

According to her, the programme has been hosted in several African countries over the past decade and has contributed significantly to developing a new generation of geoscientists, many of whom now serve as researchers, lecturers, consultants, and industry professionals.

Professor Orberger also highlighted the importance of building strong partnerships among academia, industry, government institutions, and international organisations, stressing that innovation thrives when stakeholders work collaboratively rather than in isolation.

She expressed appreciation to the University of Ibadan for hosting the 10th SGA Metallogeny Short Course. She commended the University's hospitality and the efforts of the organisers in ensuring the successful coordination of the programme.

The courtesy visit formed part of activities for the 10th SGA Metallogeny Short Course 2026, which brought together,
geoscientists, researchers, academics, and students from different countries to explore emerging issues in mineral exploration, resource development, and sustainable mining.

15/06/2026

FRENCH EMBASSY, IFRA SEEK STRONGER COLLABORATION WITH UNIVERSITY OF IBADAN

The University of Ibadan (UI) recently received the Head of the Cooperation and Cultural Action of the French Embassy in Nigeria, Dr. Thierry Valentin on a courtesy visit aimed at strengthening academic, research, and cultural collaboration between both institutions.

The visit, which was facilitated though French Institute for Research in Africa (IFRA), located at the Institute of African Studies (IAS) had the Director of IFRA and a team from the IAS, headed by the Director accompanying Dr. Valentin.

The Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics), Professor Juwon Arotiba who represented the Vice Chancellor in receiving the delegation reaffirmed the institution's commitment to international collaborations. He described the University of Ibadan as Nigeria's premier university and a leading institution in West Africa, noting its strong reputation for academic excellence, research, and innovation.

Prof. Arotiba emphasized that the University remains open to partnerships that promote knowledge exchange and research that benefits society. He also assured the delegation of the university management's support for future agreements and collaborative initiatives arising from the visit.

Speaking during the visit, Dr. Valentin acknowledged the existing collaboration between the University of Ibadan and French institutions, but stressed the need to deepen the relationship, particularly in the fields of social sciences and humanities. He disclosed plans to explore additional funding opportunities through the French Embassy to support the mobility of Nigerian students and researchers to France. According to him, the initiative would enable postgraduate students and researchers to undertake joint research projects with French counterparts and return to Nigeria to share knowledge and strengthen institutional partnerships.

The French Embassy official also highlighted opportunities available through the French Development Agency (AFD), which supports educational development projects. He explained that the agency works with relevant stakeholders to improve student housing, laboratory facilities, and technological infrastructure in universities.
Dr. Valentin further expressed interest in ensuring that the University of Ibadan benefits from ongoing educational and development initiatives supported by France. He also identified the iDICE programme as a potential area for future collaboration, especially in promoting higher education and professional training in the cultural and creative industries.

Dr Valentin also called for stronger cooperation between the University of Ibadan, IFRA, the Alliance Française, and the French Embassy in the area of cultural development, noting that culture should serve not only as a field of study but also as a platform for practical engagement and community impact.

He expressed appreciation to the University of Ibadan for receiving him on the visit, noting that it is his first official visit to a Nigerian university since arriving in the country nearly two years ago. In his words…"As a scholar and anthropologist, I feel at home in a university environment,".

Speaking earlier, the Director of the Institute of African Studies, Prof. Sola Olorunyomi highlighted the long-standing partnership between the University of Ibadan and IFRA. He noted that both institutions already have a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that supports cooperation in areas such as culture, spirituality, migration, conflict studies, and other social science and humanities research. He explained that the collaboration has promoted interdisciplinary research, academic publications, student supervision, and international partnerships involving scholars from both Nigeria and France.

In her own remark, the Director of IFRA Nigeria, Dr. Pauline Gienard, said the institute is committed to promoting research in the social sciences and humanities across West Africa. She explained that IFRA supports researchers through grants, seminars, workshops, and webinars, and has maintained a productive relationship with the University of Ibadan for over three decades. According to her, IFRA remains committed to strengthening its partnership with the university and expanding opportunities for academic exchange and research collaboration.

The courtesy visit concluded with both parties expressing optimism about expanding existing partnerships and exploring new opportunities for academic, research, and cultural cooperation between the University of Ibadan and French institutions.

15/06/2026

COLLABORATIVE RESEARCH IS THE WAY TO GO – UI VC
The Vice Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, Prof. K. O. Adebowale, mni, FAS, asserted that the way to go in conducting robust, ground breaking and impactful research is by going through the route of multi-disciplinary research, particularly those that cut across institutions and geographic regions. This he stated, could develop into robust partnerships that would have multi-sectoral and far-reaching impacts.
Prof Adebowale made this assertion while receiving some researchers from the school of Transportation, Science and Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology (HIT), Republic of China. The researchers are working on a collaboration with the Department of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Technology, at the University.
Speaking at the occasion, the Vice Chancellor reiterated the vision of the University to transit into a postgraduate University with emphasis on research, given the pivotal role research plays in influencing change and promoting positive transformation in the society.
Towards the pursuit of this vision, Prof Adebowale said that the University has continued to partner with many institutions across the globe, encouraging multi-disciplinary and multi-sectoral research for maximum impact.
He stated that the opportunity for collaboration between the two institutions could not have come at a better time, pledging the support of the University, while also encouraging that the partnership be expanded to other areas of collaboration, including student/staff exchange.
In her remarks, the leader of the research team and the Deputy Director, Provincial Experimental Teaching Demonstration Centre, HIT, Prof Liyan Shan stated that her team is proposing a research collaboration with the University of Ibadan to the Chinese government, which is looking to fund ten collaborative researches with African Institutions.
Prof Shan noted that the visit was to ensure that all requirements from the University of Ibadan as their partner on the project are received and tendered in order to facilitate the success of the proposal.
She expressed great optimism that the proposal will be successful and looks forward to a fruitful collaboration.
The Principal Investigator on the proposed partnership from the University of Ibadan, Prof. B.O. Dahunsi said that the idea of the partnership came about as a result of the collaboration that the University had with the Chinese Construction Road and Bridges Corporation (CRBC) on the Ibadan Urban Flood Management Project which was contracted to CRBC by the Oyo state government.
Ms Lily Jiang, who spoke on behalf of CRBC stated that the Organisation, which facilitated the proposed partnership with HIT is one of the largest Chinese construction companies and has been in Nigeria for over ten years, implementing various construction projects. One of these projects, she stated, was the Ibadan Flood Management project, on which they partnered with the University to implement.
She solicited for projects from the University of Ibadan, assuring management that it would enhance the chances of the HIT/UI proposed research project with the Chinese government.
Also on the visit were Dr Wencui Yang from HIT, Engr. Wubrow from CRBC as well as stakeholders from the Faculty of Technology, University of Ibadan.

15/06/2026

RESEARCH SHOULD NO LONGER BE IN SILOS, BUT SHOULD BE COLLABORATIVE – UI VC
The Vice Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, Prof. K. O. Adebowale, mni, FAS, has advocated that research should no longer be in silos, but should be collaborative.
Prof. Adebowale stated this while receiving a scholar from the University of Calgary, Canada, Prof. Bukola Salami on a courtesy visit. Prof Salami is a distinguished scholar with notable contributions in Nursing, health equity, migration health and global health research.
Her visit to the University of Ibadan is aimed at fostering academic collaboration, research engagement, mentorship and knowledge exchange with members of the University community, particularly within the Faculty of Nursing.
Speaking during the visit, Prof. Adebowale reiterated the need for researchers to stop conducting research in silos, but make it more collaborative. He stated that this has become necessary because real world problems of today, including climate change, food security, pandemics and insecurity among others, cut across disciplines and geographic zones, and requires bringing the right mix of expertise to the table.
He appreciated Prof. Salami for her efforts towards furthering collaborations between the University of Calgary and University of Ibadan, expressing the support of the University in ensuring the collaboration succeeds and endures. He also noted that the collaboration could expand beyond the Faculty of Nursing to others within the University, thereby promoting multi-disciplinary research, as well as student/faculty exchange.
Speaking prior to the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Salami stated that though her collaborations with the University of Ibadan started when she visited about ten years ago, her current visit is in furtherance of the partnership that was established back then.
Noting that the two Institutions are potentially and strategically positioned as leaders, given their pedigree, particularly in the areas of emphasis of the partnership, Prof Salami expressed great optimism for a very impactful and rewarding collaboration and a willingness to expand into areas of collaborations.
She expressed delight at the changes she has observed since her arrival, stating they provide a very conducive environment for the partnerships to thrive.
With Prof. Salami were the Dean of the Faculty of Nursing, Prof. Prisca Adejumo, and other stakeholders from the Faculty of Nursing.

15/05/2026

UNIVERSITY OF IBADAN CONTINUES TO TAKE THE LEAD — VC DECLARES AS UI SIGNS MOU WITH ASTRIA LEARNING FOR 100% ONLINE PROGRAMMES

The University of Ibadan has signed a major Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Astria Learning (E campus Inc.), an international ed-tech company, to launch a wide range of 100% online academic programs.

In his remarks, while receiving a delegation from the organisation for the signing of the MoU, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Kayode O. Adebowale, mni, FAS, described the partnership as the beginning of what he considers, an enduring and mutually beneficial relationship. He noted that the proposal for the project was thoroughly debated before eventually receiving the approval of the University Senate, depicting how much consideration was given into the partnership and the attendant implications.

Professor Adebowale reiterated the University’s position as a lead Institution in Africa, which continues to seek ways of impacting society more, and making education more accessible. He stated that the partnership will initially focus on postgraduate programs before expanding to the undergraduate level based on its success.

Dr. Jeff Bordes, Chief Executive Officer and Founder of Astria Learning, thanked the University management for the warm reception. He revealed that the partnership had been in the making since September last year. He described the signing of the MoU as a proud moment and expressed optimism that it will create a win-win situation and build an enduring partnership that will greatly expand access to quality education.

The MoU, which will run for an initial period of ten (10) years, will enable the University of Ibadan to offer 100% online programs including MBAs, Master’s degrees, PhDs, DBAs, and various professional certificate courses in fields such as Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, Data Science, Fintech, Energy Law, and Sustainable Development.

Under the agreement, Astria Learning will provide the learning management system, digital library resources, marketing, student support services, and bear the operational costs, while the University of Ibadan will provide curricula, ensure quality assurance, maintain accreditation, and award certificates and degrees.

The meeting, which was in hybrid mode, with some staff of Astrial Learning attending virtually had other staff of the organization in physical attendance along with Dr Bordes. These include Mrs. Kseniia Tkachenko, the Global Operations Manager; Ms. Ana Eristavi, the Global Operations Coordinator and Ms Tolu Omorogbe.

11/05/2026

UI/UCH SENSITISE UI COMMUNITY ON MORE EFFECTIVE CANCER MANAGEMENT METHODS IN COMMEMORATING WORLD ASTHMA DAY

In commemoration of the 2026 World Asthma Day, the University Health Centre, University of Ibadan, in collaboration with the University College Hospital (UCH), has conducted a sensitization rally to promote the use of anti-inflammatory inhalers in the management of Asthma in commemoration of the World Asthma Day.

Speaking while paying a courtesy call on the Vice Chancellor, the leader of the World Asthma sensitization group, Dr O. M. Sogaolu, a Chest Asthma Specialist and Visiting Consultant Pulmonologist, in UCH stated that the sensitization is to commemorate the 2026 World Asthma Day, themed “Breathe Free, Live Fully”.

Dr. Sogaolu emphasized that World Asthma Day, observed annually on the first Tuesday of May since 1998, was established to create awareness that no one needs to die from asthma and that people living with the condition can lead normal, productive lives with proper management and no limitations.

He stated that the 2026 World Asthma Day Commemoration is focused on sensitizing members of the University community on more effective ways of managing asthma, moving beyond symptom relief to proper treatment of the root causes through the use of Anti-Inflammatory medications.

He stressed the importance of using anti-inflammatory medications (controller drug) which addresses the root cause of air obstruction in the lung, rather than relying solely on Ventolin, which only relieves symptoms temporarily. He advocated for the adoption of 2-in-1 Anti inflamatory inhalers that address both inflammation and symptoms for better control. He also called for continuous education on asthma triggers and proper management.

Dr. Sogaolu also highlighted ongoing efforts by the team to improve access to asthma medications, promote regular check-ups, and educate patients across the university community.

The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Kayode O. Adebowale, mni, FAS, commended the advocacy and sensitization efforts of the Asthma Group in ensuring relief and longevity for Asthma patients, particularly in the University of Ibadan. Describing the University Health Services (Jaja) as a critical facility serving students, staff, and surrounding communities, he applauded its resourcefulness in collaborating with UCH in addressing Asthma management issues within the University community. He assured the group of the University’s continued support for awareness creation, identification of asthma patients on campus, and improved access to affordable and effective treatment.

The visit is expected to strengthen ties between the University Health Services and UCH towards better asthma care, regular sensitization programs, and ensuring students and staff receive more effective management of the condition.

Sensitization activities followed immediately after the courtesy visit.

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