In a remarkable event marking its seventy-five years of educational excellence, the University of Ibadan (UI), Nigeria’s foremost university, has conferred the prestigious title of Ambassador upon Mr. Oliver Alawuba, the Group Managing Director/CEO of United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc. This honor, bestowed on an alumnus of UI, recognizes Alawuba’s significant contributions to the banking industry and his unwavering support for the university in the corporate world.
During a special visit to UBA House, Marina, on Thursday, UI’s Vice Chancellor, Professor Kayode Adebowale, shed light on the university’s historic journey and achievements. He emphasized that the celebration of UI at 75 is not just a momentous occasion but also a catalyst for a year-long participatory program, stretching until November 2024. This initiative aims to further the development of the institution and create more scholarship opportunities for students.
Professor Adebowale highlighted the importance of recognizing distinguished alumni who have made notable impacts in various sectors. “In our quest to commemorate this landmark anniversary, we have identified several UI alumni who have greatly contributed to society and brought acclaim to our university. These individuals have been named UI@75 Ambassadors, a group that includes Vice President Kashim Shettima, Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum, and, notably, Mr. Oliver Alawuba,” he stated.
Mr. Alawuba, with over two decades of experience in various banking sectors, embodies the principles and virtues that the University of Ibadan instills in its graduates. “Oliver Alawuba’s achievements in banking reflect the university’s values of excellence, and we are proud of his accomplishments. We also recognize a shared vision with UBA, focusing on Excellence, Enterprise, and Execution, and anticipate a fruitful synergy between our institutions, not just in Nigeria but across Africa and globally,” Professor Adebowale remarked.
Expressing his gratitude for the honor, Mr. Alawuba emphasized the need for Nigerian universities to seek and establish collaborations with the private sector. He pointed out that the current reliance on government support is insufficient and unsustainable for the growth and advancement of these educational institutions.
Alawuba’s appointment as an Ambassador for the University of Ibadan is a testament to the university’s commitment to acknowledging and leveraging the achievements of its alumni. It also signifies the institution’s forward-thinking approach in fostering partnerships that transcend the educational sector, ensuring its continued relevance and impact in an ever-evolving global landscape.
As the University of Ibadan celebrates this monumental anniversary, its focus on recognizing influential alumni like Oliver Alawuba underlines the institution’s dedication to honoring its past while actively shaping its future. This strategy not only enhances the university’s prestige but also strengthens its role in national and international dialogues in education, innovation, and societal development.
