By Aduwo Ayodele

The Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics) University of Ibadan, Professor Aderonke Baiyeroju has on Monday, March 26 2024, called on the Nigerian Society of Engineers, Ibadan Branch, to consciously improve the ‘Town-Gown’ relationship, between the engineering industry and academia.

Professor Aderonke Baiyeroju made this call while receiving on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Kayode Adebowale, a team from the  Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), Ibadan Branch, who were on a courtesy visit.

Professor Baiyeroju in the course of the meeting noted that the “University of Ibadan is striving to ensure that it remains at the top despite it being ranked as the first and the best University in Nigeria, first in West Africa and sixth in Africa in the latest Times Higher Education Rankings”.

Describing the University’s willingness to foster positive collaboration, the Deputy Vice Chancellor noted that “the University of Ibadan is always willing to meet with the industry with the aim of fostering collaborations with professional bodies, non-governmental organizations, and other universities”.

The visit by NSE Ibadan branch, she also noted, will no doubt give the University and the  NSE  the opportunity to broaden the relationship that had hitherto existed, while adding that  the University of Ibadan was looking forward to having a collaboration that would promote the acquisition of skills and knowledge for both the staff and students of the institution.

“The University of Ibadan looks forward to continuous collaboration with the NSE in the areas of  alternative power, research outputs,  advisory role, and the organization of trainings and programs for staff and students of the institution to make the society better” the Deputy Vice Chancellor said.

Speaking to the University management team, Engr. Ibrahim Folarin Bello, the leader of the team and the 28th Chairman of the Nigerian Society of Engineers, Ibadan Branch, explained that the visit was initiated to seek further collaboration with the University of Ibadan, and to introduce the new leadership of NSE Ibadan Branch to the University Management.

Engr. Ibrahim Folarin Bello appreciated the worthwhile support of the Vice- Chancellor to staff, especially those in the Engineering cadre, students, and the entire University community.

Speaking to the call for synergy, Engr. Ibrahim Folarin explained that the Nigerian Society of Engineers was set to provide advisory services to the University on professional engineering matters, especially in the area of power generation and the  provision of SIWES placements for students in industries, where they could acquire practical experience.

Engr. Bello stressed that one of the missions of the NSE is to train students in the use of the latest engineering software and tools, noting that NSE will be collaborating with the University of Ibadan by organizing activities and events that would enhance feasibility and impact on engineering.

The 28th Chairman of the Nigerian Society of Engineers, Ibadan Branch, also pleaded with the University management to sponsor staff members who are registered members of the NSE to conferences organized by COREN, NSE, and seminars both in and outside the country.