By: Ambali Olayinka

The central administration block (White House) of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine has been refurbished, and the students’ lounge upgraded.

This recent development came to fruition courtesy of donations received during the celebration of the 60th anniversary of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine from the Sir (Dr.) Kessington Adebukunola Adebutu Foundation.

Another donation was also received by the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine from the family of the late Professor Bankole Olusiji Oke for the upgrading of the Faculty’s boardroom.

The Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Academic, Professor Aderonke M. Baiyeroju, speaking at the event held on Friday, April 4, 2025, on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Kayode O. Adebowale, expressed gratitude to the benefactors for assisting the university in its efforts toward revamping the infrastructure.

“The University cannot manage with the dearth of funds,” she reiterated, adding that such benefactions are, therefore, always well appreciated.

She commended the Dean, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Professor Olufunke Ola-Davies, for networking, sourcing funds, and seeking collaborations with philanthropists and friends of the University.

Engr. (Dr.) Babatunde Oyefeso, speaking on behalf of the donor, Sir (Dr.) Kessington Adebukunola Adebutu, said that he is highly honoured to be a part of this landmark achievement through his foundation.

He also commended the Dean of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine for her indefatigable efforts in bringing the vision to reality. Expressing his pleasant surprise at how effectively the initial contribution from the Faculty’s 60th anniversary was used for such a noteworthy project, he pledged further financial support to ensure complete refurbishment.

In a separate act of generosity, the family of the late Professor Bankole Olusiji Oke funded the complete renovation of the Faculty’s boardroom. Mr. Babajide Oke, representing the family, explained that this gesture was to preserve the legacy of their father, a former Dean of the Faculty and Head of the Department of Veterinary Anatomy, who dedicated his life to the veterinary profession and held a deep passion for the Faculty.

Professor Olufunke Ola-Davies, the Dean of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, expressed her immense satisfaction at the accomplishment of her long-term vision to refurbish the central administration block, commissioned 31 years ago. She appreciated the benefactors’ “hearts of gold” and philanthropic spirit, highlighting their contributions to the advancement of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine.

“The refurbished building and facilities will encourage the staff, inspire the students, and foster an enhanced learning environment,” she said.