News (134)

The pioneer set of alumni of the Department of Chemical Engineering has assured the University authorities of their desire to partner the institution in the quest for more development.

This formed the thrust of the message delivered by Professor Rahman Bello, a one-time Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lagos, UNILAG, who led other members of the set on a courtesy visit to the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Eyitope Ogunbodede, while on a tour of the department.

Professor Rahman Bello noted with delight that it was a huge privilege for each member of the set to have graduated from the OAU, adding that their visit to the institution was borne of their love and passion for their alma mater. “We have all been beneficiaries of the department’s good deed. Many of the alumni of the department have become notable people in the world.  Though the system has changed, we are looking into what we can do to assist the department to the next level so we can compete with the rest of the world. The department will soon be 50 years and we will be celebrating the golden jubilee anniversary of the department in a new form and grand style”, he said.

Responding, the Vice-Chancellor appreciated Professor Rahman Bello for his leadership style especially during his tenure as the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lagos which cannot be over-emphasized.  He thanked the pioneer set members for coming to see how their department is faring and particularly, for their donation of an electric generator to the department.

Professor Ogunbodede further commended the Departmental Head and other members of staff for the good job they have been doing.  He stated that the problem of under-staffing being faced in the department is on-going. “The Faculty of Technology which the Department of Chemical Engineering belongs to is one of the faculties highlighted but certain measures will have to be put in place to fast track the process. We are awaiting the approval from Federal Character Commission”, Ogunbodede said.

The Vice-Chancellor promised the support of his administration to the department and made it known that before July 2019 when the department will be 50 years, certain measures would have been taken to make it possible to start Petrol Chemical Engineering Department in the university.

The Vice-Chancellor, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Professor Eyitope Ogunbodede has enjoined the six thousand, six hundred and fifty (6,650) newly admitted students of the university to obey their matriculation oath in order to safeguard their studentship.

Speaking at the matriculation ceremony for the 2018/2019 academic session, the Vice-Chancellor told the students that their ability to succeed in their academic career rests on obedience and willingness to learn from highly qualified lecturers in the university.

While noting that the University is renowned noted for Academics, Agriculture and Aesthetics, the Vice-Chancellor warned the new students to beware of bad peer influence and all forms of anti-social behaviour capable of disrupting the smooth running of the University academic calendar.

Professor Ogunbodede who restated the zero tolerance of the University authorities for cultism, examination malpractices, violence, flagrant disregard to constituted authority and sexual harassment, also warned the students to steer clear of deplorable behaviours and other similar vices in order to safeguard their studentship and ensure successful academic career. 

He informed the matriculating students of the readiness of the University Management to ensure that issues affecting them such as accommodation and provisions of essential needs are addressed as promptly as possible. 

He disclosed that the University is partnering with investors to increase current students’ accommodation by an additional ten thousand (10,000) bed spaces within the next one (1) year, assuring them that the University would also procure additional three (3) 30-seater buses to alleviate the challenges of transportation.

The Vice-Chancellor used the occasion to assure parents and guardians of the matriculating students that their children and wards are in safe hands, praying that they would not have any reason to sorrow over them.