The Vice Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, Prof. Kayode Adebowale, has stressed the need for alumni support for sustainable development in Nigerian universities.

Adebowale stated this on Tuesday during the naming and inauguration of a Veterinary Medicine Central Laboratory in honour of the Managing Director of ADSA Veterinary Services Konsult Nig. Ltd, Dr Suraj Adesina, who donated the laboratory to the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine of the institution.

The VC said, “The involvement of the alumni in the funding of federal universities has become expedient owing to the rising overhead costs of the universities, which have made government subvention inadequate.”

The VC stated that this is why the institution deepens its relationships with alumni through the Alumni Relations Office.

He emphasised that stakeholder benefits help mitigate some of the funding challenges faced by universities.

Adebowale restated that the university was transitioning into a postgraduate institution where more cutting-edge research will be carried out to sustain the nation; thus, it needs facilities and support to accomplish this vision.

He recalled that the university established a central laboratory many years ago to avoid duplicating equipment in the departments or related faculties, and to facilitate collaboration among researchers across the university.

The VC, therefore, commended the family of the late Adesina for completing the project despite his demise, thereby immortalising his legacy to motivate future generations of veterinary professionals and animal enthusiasts.

Adebowale also commended the Dean, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Prof Olufunke Ola-Davies, for her dedication and commitment to the advancement of the faculty.

Earlier, the Dean, Ola-Davies, said the veterinary medicine research laboratory was one of her visions, adding that “the project was executed by late Adesina, her classmate, friend, and member of the class of 1992.”