Group Gifts UI Research Facility, Scholarship

The University of Ibadan (UI) has signed a Deed of Gift for the donation of a research facility and a Memorandum of Understanding for the institution of a scholarship scheme and an annual lecture for the development of teaching and learning with the International Energy Services Limited (IESL).

The chairman of IESL and a UI @ 75 Ambassador, Diran Fawibe, who was in the university for the signing, was received by the deputy vice chancellor (Administration), Prof Peter Olapegba, on behalf of the vice chancellor, Professor Kayode Adebowale.

Olapegba noted that the ceremony marked the beginning of a sustainable relationship between UI and IESL, a model for industry-university collaboration to foster a synergy between academia and industry in the advancement of education and innovation.

The deputy vice chancellor appreciated the chairman of IESL for his benefactions to the university in the past and these renewed efforts to empower future leaders of Nigeria.

He lauded the donor’s commitment to the university, and recalled that upon his decoration as a UI@75 Ambassador, Dr Fawibe donated N20 million to the university and went ahead to intensify efforts with the management of IESL to fashion a sustainable benefaction for the university.

The research facility will be domiciled in the Faculty of Multidisciplinary Studies with the Centre for Petroleum, Energy, Economics and Law as the primary beneficiary.

The scholarships are to be awarded annually to deserving students in the Departments of Petroleum Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, and Economics.

The DVC stated that the alumni, as the owners of the university, needed to be engaged strategically, adding that the UI @ 75 Ambassadorial initiative was an eye-opener, which has enabled the university to intensify its efforts in reaching out to its alumni as partners in the development of the university.

Olapegba further sought the collaboration of International Energy Services Limited on internship placement for students, industrial training, grants, and other strategic partnerships to promote a sustainable Town-Gown relationship.

The chairman of International Energy Services Limited (IESL), Dr Diran Fawibe, reiterated that the University of Ibadan made him into the professional that he became, having benefited from scholarships awarded him by the University.

He affirmed that UI has a prestigious history and his undergraduate and postgraduate days in the university were beautiful periods in the history of education in Nigeria.