By: Gbayesola Samuel
The Great Independence Hall of Residence, University of Ibadan, on Tuesday, July 8, commissioned its new alumni logo and a new public address system, donated by the alumni of the hall.
The event, held at the hall’s Junior Common Room, was attended by the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration), Professor Peter Olapegba, the Deputy Dean of Students, Dr. Comfort Aiki-Raji, Indy Hall Warden, Dr. Adejumobi, the Hall Master, Professor Ademola Ajayi, members of the Indy Hall Alumni Association, and some student residents of the hall.
Speaking, the Deputy Dean of Students, Dr. Comfort Aiki-Raji, commended the alumni for their commitment to improving hall facilities, describing it as a gesture worthy of example.
The Hall Warden, Dr. Adejumobi, appreciated the alumni for responding to the request of the Indy Hall Executive Council for a new public address system.
He further commended the alumni body for prioritizing what he described as “the development of the hall.”
The Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration), Professor Peter Olapegba, emphasized the significance of the alumni’s intervention in university development.
Two Katangites, Adedayo Adetoro, a graduate of Economics, and Ayomide Alonge, were awarded ₦200,000 and ₦50,000 respectively by the Alumni Association as the winner and runner-up of the Alumni Logo Design Competition.
Delivering the commissioning speech, Professor Iyaniwura, a retired Professor of Statistics and a member of Indy Alumni, reflected on his days as a resident of the hall, describing it as having the ambiance of a five-star hotel.
The new public address system, installed at the porters’ lodge, was officially commissioned at exactly 12:48 p.m.
Reacting, Professor Tony Adah, a professor at Minnesota State University and a member of the alumni body, said, “I’m very excited about this achievement. We had extensive discussions within the alumni association, and it took a while to raise the necessary funds. I hope students understand the value of the public system. It now enables the quick dissemination of information. I’ve even heard it reaches other halls, which is impressive. My hope is that it benefits not just Independence Hall, but the wider university community.”
“My message to students is simple, take care of it. Maintenance culture is crucial. It is not enough to receive equipment, you must preserve it. Be proactive about its maintenance, and ensure it is used effectively.”
“Membership is open to all who have passed through the hall. As students prepare to leave, especially those heading to places like ABH, we should collect their contact information to keep in touch. Alumni involvement is not just about donations. It is about bonding, sharing stories, and helping current and past students find opportunities,” he added.
A 300L Law student and resident of Indy Hall, Jeremiah, said, “It is a really good development. I was speaking with my group earlier, and someone said they could hear the public address system clearly from outside the university gate. That is impressive. It creates a unique identity. People can now say, ‘Oh, that announcement is from Independence Hall.’ Especially during programs like Headlines, people can tune in. It is a great achievement and a model that other halls can learn from,” he said.
