Ebenezer Adurokiya, Reporting
THE University of Ibadan has commissioned new buildings for the Departments of Mechanical Engineering and Civil Engineering within the Faculty of Technology, marking a significant boost to the institution’s infrastructure and academic development.
The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Kayode O. Adebowale, who performed the commissioning ceremony, expressed his appreciation to Dr S. O. Ibraheem, an alumnus of the University who donated the Mechanical Engineering building. He praised Dr Ibraheem for his generosity and commitment to his alma mater.
Professor Adebowale also commended the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), disclosing that the Civil Engineering building was accomplished through the 2021–2022 Annual Intervention and 2024 Zonal Intervention funds.
Describing the projects as significant contributions to the University’s infrastructure and academic development, the Vice-Chancellor emphasised the importance of collaboration between donors and beneficiary institutions. He noted that such engagements ensure donated facilities align with the actual needs and long-term plans of the University.
He further commended Engineer Olanrewaju Isiaq Ashamu for supporting the Mechanical Engineering project with a solar power system, thereby providing a sustainable power solution for the building.
Professor Adebowale disclosed that the Civil Engineering building, which also houses the Faculty of Technology Design Studio, was completed within 24 months, describing the TETFund intervention as a major achievement for the University and the Faculty of Technology.
He noted that the facility, particularly the computer-aided design studio, would benefit not only Civil Engineering students but also other departments and faculties requiring similar facilities for teaching, learning and research.
The Vice-Chancellor also commended the Directorate of Works and the Directorate of Physical Planning and Project Management for their supervision and technical contributions to the successful completion of the projects.
He added that the commissioning of the two buildings reflected the importance of partnerships between the University, its alumni, development agencies and other stakeholders in improving the institution’s infrastructure.
Earlier, the Dean of the Faculty of Technology, Professor A. I. Bamgboye, had commended Professor Adebowale for his commitment to the development of the faculty. He recalled that the initiative to provide a building for the Department of Civil Engineering was conceived while the Vice-Chancellor served as the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Administration.
He described the new Civil Engineering building as a significant milestone, noting that the four-storey structure would provide much-needed space for academic activities.
The Head of the Department of Mechanical Engineering, Professor S. A. Fasogbon, described the Vice-Chancellor as a driving force behind the project and commended Dr Ibraheem for remembering his alma mater and his continued support for the department.
Similarly, the Head of the Department of Civil Engineering, Professor G. M. Ayininuola, thanked the Vice-Chancellor for his commitment to providing a permanent facility for the department, saying the intervention demonstrated the importance of supporting academic departments with appropriate infrastructure to facilitate teaching and research activities.
The Director of Physical Planning and Project Management, Professor B. I. O. Dahunsi, explained that the Mechanical Engineering building comprised offices, a lecture room, a library and reading room, a laboratory, and a conference room.
He added that the Civil Engineering building contained four laboratories, a physical and electronic library facility, a design studio, an engineering drawing room for first- and second-year students, four standard classrooms, offices for academic and administrative staff, a conference room and a store.
According to him, the facilities are expected to strengthen teaching, practical training, research and professional development in the faculty.
Emeritus Professor Olufemi Bamiro, the 10th Vice-Chancellor of the University and one of the founding fathers of the Department of Mechanical Engineering, commended the Vice-Chancellor for encouraging alumni to contribute to the development of their alma mater.
He urged staff members across the faculty to embrace multidisciplinary collaboration, noting that the various engineering disciplines needed to work together to address emerging technological challenges.
Emeritus Professor Bamiro also pledged to donate his collection of books to the faculty and departmental libraries to support teaching, learning and research.
In a vote of thanks, the Registrar, Mr Ganiyu O. Saliu, appreciated the Vice-Chancellor, the principal officers, the donor, TETFund, the contractor, project supervisors and all other stakeholders whose contributions ensured the successful completion of the projects.
