By Millicent Ifeanyichukwu
The University of Lagos Alumni Association, Lagos Branch, has expressed commitment to assisting the university to close infrastructure gap.
The Chairman of the branch, Mr Owoeye Adedeji, gave the assurance at a news conference organised by the association in Lagos on Monday.
Adedeji said that the association was taking step to deepen collaboration between town and gown with the aim of promoting a better learning environment in the university.
He said that the alumni association was planning a ‘Dinner and Awards Night with Corporate World’ as a deliberate effort to deepen the collaboration.
He emphasised the importance of fostering stronger engagements and mutually-beneficial partnerships for sustainable institutional development.
According to him, the event will serve as a platform to reinforce the association’s commitment to improving education quality and strengthening the university’s capacity to deliver on its mandate.
Adedeji said that funding education could no longer rest solely on government, especially at a period of rising demands on Nigeria’s higher institutions.
“The truth is that government alone cannot solve all problems in the education sector.
“When you engage with the corporate world, you understand the importance of building strong relationships.
“The idea of connecting the gown with the town means identifying the basic and fundamental needs that shape students’ daily learning experience.
“That is why we met with the departments and deans to understand their needs firsthand,” he said.
He said that the collaboration was conceived at the last edition of the Annual Shofoluwe Lecture in the university during which its alumni and other well-meaning Nigerians were encouraged to support the university in practical and sustainable ways.
“We subsequently engaged all faculties and departments in the institution to submit detailed information about their most urgent infrastructure and academic needs to ensure the intervention would be well-targeted.
“Submissions gave us a clear understanding of the university’s priority areas and helped to guide resource mobilisation efforts among stakeholders in the private and public sectors.
“Our vision is to bring the corporate world into the fold. Our focus now is to start supporting in 14 to 18 areas,” he said.
He disclosed that the response to the call for support had been encouraging, with individuals and organisations stepping forward to contribute to the advancement of the institution.
Adedeji urged members of the association, corporate bodies and members of the public to support the initiative, saying that collective efforts would help to secure a stronger and more sustainable future for generations of students.
“This approach ensures that organisations and individuals give to students and the association, thereby making it a pattern others can emulate,” he said.
The chairman said that no fewer than 12 personalities passionate about developing education would be given awards during the dinner slated for Nov. 30 in Ikeja. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Ijeoma Popoola
