Olubadan calls for increase in UI admission quota

By Richard Thomas, Ibadan

Olubadan of Ibadan land, Oba Lekan Balogun, Alli Okunmade ll, has called on the Governing Council and the management team of the University of Ibadan (UI) to work towards increasing the admission quota for the undergraduate programmes of the institution.

Oba Balogun, who made the call while playing host to the management team, led by the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Kayode Adebowale at his Alarere residence, said admission of mere 4,255 students out of 63,000 applicants in the 2021 admission exercise was not cheering, noting that the thirst for tertiary education among the youths of the country could not be addressed without expansion of the admission quota.

The monarch, according to a statement made available to journalists by his Media Aide, Oladele Ogunsola acknowledged the emphasis being placed on post-graduate studies by the University, but, however, insisted that “there must be a way to create more rooms for the undergraduates as well considering the fact that there must be a foundation before erection of building could take place.”

The Olubadan acknowledged the growth of the 74-year-old University, describing it as a pride not only of Ibadanland, but that of entire Nigeria.

He enjoined his visitors to address the issue of incessant strikes by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) which he said “is fast eroding the confidence of the international community in our degree programmes.”

Professor Adebowale had earlier in his speech regaled the monarch with the strides made as an institution since January, 1948 when he said they began with 104 students compared to 2021 when the University admitted 4,255 students and from just two small halls of residence then to the 12 existing halls now and another 21 halls under construction.

“Our capacity, resources, reach and influence have continued to wax stronger and stronger. And we know one of the reasons for this. When a tenant prospers, the landlord has created a peaceful and conducive atmosphere for him or her,” the VC said.

He expressed gratitude to the monarch and his predecessors for their roles in the growth of the institution.

Prof. Adebowale said: “Besides our fathers the Olubadan, the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII) has remained a strong pillar of support to our university over the years.”