By: Ochi Maduabuchi

The Group Chairman of International Energy Services Limited, Dr Diran Fawibe, on Thursday, July 11th 2024, decorated as a UI@75 Ambassador, at the headquarters of the International Energy Services Limited in Lagos by the Registrar, Mr Ganiyu Saliu.

Speaking on his experience as an indigent student, Dr. Diran acknowledged the fact that he would have dropped out from the University in his first year, had he not received a scholarship that got him through his second and third years, allowing him to go on later and get Master’s and Doctoral degrees from UI as well.

Dr. Diran remarked that Universities need to seek the support of their alumni and the private sector, in light of the economic downturn that has made the Federal government unable to meet their needs.

He went further to commended Professor Adebowale-led management for reaching out to alumni to sustain the University.

With a promise to examine his role as the University Ambassador and do more, Dr. Fawibe made a donation of Twenty Million Naira to the University, further stating that provisions have also been made for the permanence of the Dr. Diran Fawibe Annual Lecture Series.

The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Kayode Adebowale told Dr. Fawibe that his administration was trying to maintain the legacy of the founding fathers and to raise the bar.

The Chairman of the UI@75 Anniversary Committee, and Deputy Vice-Chancellor Administration, Professor Peter Olapegba, enumerated the needs of the University, saying that the University hopes to “upscale its Endowment Fund; be able to turn research findings into innovation; provide alternative energy; upgrade its infrastructure; provide scholarships for excellent and indigent students; as well as encourage staff development and mobility”.

Credit – Directorate of Public Communication, UI.