During the 75th anniversary celebration of the University of Ibadan, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, Deputy Governor of Lagos State, was honored with the title of Ambassador by Prof. Kayode Adebowale, the Vice-chancellor of the university.
The formal recognition occurred as part of a courtesy visit by a university delegation led by the vice-chancellor to the deputy governor’s office.
Expressing gratitude, the deputy governor, who is also an alumnus of the university, extended his appreciation to the delegation for the honor bestowed upon him.
He assured the delegation of a ready partnership with the university to make it top-notch, stating that government alone can not fund universities but needs the support of well-meaning Nigerians.
“University is the only environment where ideas are galvanized and brought to fruition through innovations and patents, among others.
“For a country to be great, there must be good funding, then all hands must be on deck.
“Also, universities, especially the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) should work hand-in-hand with the government in order to make sure that we have better and quality education,” he said.
The deputy governor, therefore, charged stakeholders and individuals in the society, who are financially capable, to support universities in development projects.
According to him, alumni associations should be encouraged to give back to the institutions which made them.
In his remarks, the vice-chancellor commended the deputy governor for being very proactive as an alumnus of the institution.
Prof. Adebowale said the investiture was a testament of the good character and excellence of the deputy governor.
“We are proud of you as an alumnus and for your various contributions to the development of the school,” the vice-chancellor said.
The Lagos State Deputy Governor Hamzat is a 1986 graduate of Agricultural Engineering and a 1988 Master of Science holder in Agricultural Engineering, University of Ibadan.
