Ajasin Varsity Alumni Re-elects Olugbemi Gabriel, Ogunsakin, Others

…as Vice Chancellor stresses Crucial Roles of Alumni to University Sustainability

Delegates from branches making up the Adekunle Ajasin University (AAUA) Alumni Association have re-elected a University lecturer, Dr Olumide Olugbemi-Gabriel as President of the Alumni Association at its 2024 National Convention held in Akungba Akoko at the weekend.

Others who were re-elected include the Secretary of Ekiti State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), O’Seun Ogunsakin as National Publicity Officer; Bode Oyegoke (VP1); Nurudeen Saka Olokungboye (VP 2),
Dr Yusau Kazeem (Secretary), Dr John Akinselure (Legal Adviser); while the former Treasurer, Akinyemi Akintan was elected to occupy the newly created office of the National Social and Welfare Officer.

Others elected for the first time are Akeem Osasona (Director, ICT); Hellen Salu Yekeen (Director of Women Affairs), Dr Layi Oladipupo (Ex officio 1), Adebola Ogunade (Financial Secretary); Muyiwa Akinnadeju (Treasurer), Beke Stephen (AGS) and Damilare Feyi as Ex officio 2.

In a release signed by O’Seun Ogunsakin,
National Publicity Officer, the President of the Association, Dr. Olugbemi-Gabriel, expressed gratitude to members of the Association for their sacrifices and contributions.

He stressed that an Alumni Association should be a platform that gives back to the university, rather than seeking personal gains.

The President said his administration had in the last two years restored confidence in the leadership of the Association by continuing work on the Alumni Hostel project as well as redeeming the pledge of #250,000 to the University’s Best Graduating Student.

He added that the Association had last year donated a 5KVA solar power generating set to the Exams and Record unit of the University while also coming up with a new website aauaalumniglobal.org.ng to enhance the image of the Association.

Earlier, the Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof. Olugbengba Ige, had emphasised the crucial role of alumni support in the development of universities.

He stated that no institution can attain full growth without the backing of the Alumni Association.

Ige, represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor Administration, Prof. Adebisi Daramola said amid state universities competing for government funding, there is a need for alumni associations to constantly give unwavering support for the advancement of their alma mater.

“No university is fully developed without the support of alumni and our university is ready to collaborate with this association. There are three state universities in Ondo State competing for funding and aside from that, AAUA now has an additional 11 programmes requiring funding. You cannot talk about standard education without instituting appropriate programmes,” the VC said.

He urged the alumni to keep representing the good image of the university and never be complacent.

“We envision a time when an alumni will become the Vice Chancellor of the university. I commend your effort as an association and advise you to continue your good work in further advancing the university.”

The guest speaker, Prof. Benson Igboin, addressed the theme “Revisiting University Sustainability: The Roles of the Alumni Association.”

Igboin emphasised that university sustainability relies on developing the minds of students and alumni for advanced learning.

“Education institutions should cultivate minds through advanced learning. If you train the mind, it can reproduce technical knowledge and skills. Developing the mind is more important than acquiring skills,” he said.

Professor Igboin further noted that students are potential alumni, and the way a university treats them will determine how they relate to or network with the institution in the future. He stressed that universities should foster collaboration among lecturers and students to solve real-world problems and drive positive change.

“A university’s ability to maintain its standard for societal development despite external challenges is crucial for sustainability,” he said. “Sustainability is achieved when a university upholds its standards and values. Unfortunately, many universities struggle to survive, let alone achieve sustainability.”

At the event, the two popular groundnut sellers in the university, Mrs Nimota Yunusa (Iya Chemistry) and Mrs Mulika Mustapha (Iya Computer) were inducted as honourary members Alumni Association.

The duo who were awarded honorary membership in recognition of their dedication and commitment to the university over the past 25 years were given cash gifts to boost their businesses.