The Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye, has urged old student associations to support their alma mater as a way of giving back to their roots. The monarch noted that a well-coordinated and strong alumni would bring development to the institutions, considering the deplorable state of facilities and dearth of infrastructure in the tertiary education sub-sector.

Olaoye stated this at the 50th anniversary celebration, fund raising and presentation of awards to some members of the University of Ibadan Dental School.

“I enjoin all alumni both at home and in diaspora to be more committed to the development of their alma mater as a way of giving back. Most of the old students are doing well all over the world, there is a need to coordinate them. Your contributions, no matter how small, no matter how big, will continue to make a great difference and meaningful impact.

“It is only through a strong, united alumni networks that we can sustain meaningful growth and build enduring legacies in our alma mater for future generations,” the monarch added.

He commended the Unibadan Dental School alumni for the event, saying their commitment would help sustain its reputation as a centre of excellence for future generations.

In his anniversary lecture titled: ‘Celebrating the roots of the past and the crowns of the future,’ the Chief Medical Director of Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Prof. Wasiu Adeyemo, emphasised the role of old students in the maintenance and upliftment of tertiary institutions.

Adeyemo also expressed concern over lack of facilities and clinical tools for training, which has resulted in exodus of dental professionals.

The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Kayode Adebowale, commended the efforts of the faculty and wished the next 50 years would be better.