By: IndyPress News Desk

The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, Professor Kayode Adebowale, has charged students leaders at the University to strive to lead with purpose, passion, and compassion.

He urged them to harness their collective energy, creativity, and expertise to create a brighter, more just, and more equitable future for all.

Professor Adebowale gave these charges in an address read on his behalf by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor Administration, Professor Peter O. Olapegba, at the 2025 F. R. A. Marinho Trust Leadership Summit organised for students leaders of the University of Ibadan.

He told the students leaders to cultivate a culture of resourcefulness, encourage experimentation, collaboration, and learn from failure.

“You must empower your teams to think creatively, to innovate, and to find new ways to address old challenges,” he said.

The Vice-Chancellor further urged the students to emulate the late Chief F. R. A. Marinho, a philanthropist whose contributions to various causes, institutions, and individuals were numerous and significant adding that his support for education, healthcare, and social welfare initiatives improved the lives of many, particularly the vulnerable and underprivileged.

Professor Adebowale appreciated the Marinho family for consistency and for choosing UI.

The Dean of Students, Professor Keye Abiona advised the participants to maximise the opportunities of the summit.

The President of the Students Union, Mr. Aweda Bolaji commended the F. R. A. Marinho Trust for sponsoring the summit.

He said it was a noble act for anyone to contribute to the grooming of new leaders.

The Chairman of the summit, an alumnus of the University, Mr Olaitan Odukoya charged the students leaders to be attentive, and interactive at the summit and to ensure that they share the acquired knowledge with their followers.

He said the University of Ibadan impacted his life positively saying that he allowed the University’s Mission and Vision to guide him in his life’s journeys.

A representative of the Marinho family, Mr Olusegun Ajayi, brought good wishes from Mrs Yetunde Marinho, the widow of the benefactor who commended UI for keeping the memories of her husband alive.

The Theme of the Summit was: “Responsibility and Resourcefulness in the Place of Leadership.”

The Director of the Career Development and Counselling Centre, University of Ibadan, Professor David A. Oluwole and Mr Victor A. Kuforiji, the President of Phronesis Global Leadership Group made presentations based on the theme.

The Summit was attended by student leaders from the Students Union, the Faculties, Departments, Halls of Residence, and campus organisations.

Chief Festus Remilekun Ayodele Marinho (1934 – 2021) was a 1960 alumnus of the University College, Ibadan, where he obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Physics (Special Honours).

Credit – UI Directorate of Public Communication