The University of Ibadan (UI) has strengthened its commitment to academic excellence through a strategic partnership with International Energy Services Limited (IESL).
The collaboration includes the donation of a state-of-the-art research facility, the establishment of a scholarship scheme, and the institution of an annual lecture aimed at advancing teaching and learning.
While receiving the IESL team on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor (VC), Professor Kayode O. Adebowale, at the university campus for the signing, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (DVC), Administration, Professor Peter Olapegba, said the ceremony marked the beginning of a sustainable relationship between UI and IESL.
Professor Olapegba noted that, “The relationship is a model for industry-university collaboration to foster a synergy between the two entities in the advancement of education and innovation, appreciating the Chairman of IESL for his benefactions to the university in the past and the renewed efforts to empower future leaders of Nigeria.”
The DVC lauded the donor’s commitment to the university, and recalled that upon his decoration as a UI@75 Ambassador, Dr Fawibe donated Twenty Million naira to the University and went ahead to intensify efforts with the Management of IESL to fashion a sustainable benefaction for the university.
He stated that the alumni, as the owners of the university, needed to be engaged strategically, noting that the UI @ 75 Ambassadorial Initiative was an eye-opener which has enabled the university to intensify its efforts in reaching out to its alumni as partners in the development of the university.
Professor Olapegba further sought the collaboration of International Energy Services Limited on internship placement for students, industrial training, grants, and other strategic partnerships to promote a sustainable Town-Gown relationship.
The Chairman of IESL and a UI @ 75 Ambassador, Dr Diran Fawibe, reiterated that the University of Ibadan made him into the professional that he became having benefitted from scholarships awarded him by the university.
He affirmed that UI has a prestigious history and his undergraduate and postgraduate days in the university were beautiful periods in the history of education in Nigeria, saying his motivation in giving back to his alma mater was the solid background he received in the University of Ibadan and the early career opportunities that the university gave him.
Dr Fawibe disclosed that IESL is a leading indigenous energy services company established in 1990 which has over 200 engineers, offering comprehensive engineering, technical, and project management services in oil and gas development across Africa.
He commended the university management for being active and proactive in sustaining the legacies of the institution, charging it to keep the flag flying and maintain the tradition of excellence which the University of Ibadan is known for.
Dr Fawibe was accompanied on the visit by the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of IESL, Engr Bayo Ige; Manager, Legal Services/Company Secretary, Mrs Adedayo Salami, and the Director of the UI Centre for Petroleum, Energy, Economics, and Law (CPEEL), Professor Olugbenga Falode.
The research facility is to be domiciled in the Faculty of Multidisciplinary Studies with the Centre for Petroleum, Energy, Economics and Law as the primary beneficiary.
The scholarships are to be awarded annually to deserving students in the departments of Petroleum Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, and Economics. The annual Diran Fawibe Lecture Series will address issues of national importance.