THE CLASS OF ECONOMICS, 1988 SET (ECO 88) GIVES BACK TO ITS ALMA MATER

12/07/2018

It was a thing of great pride as the Department of Economics, University of Ibadan hosted its 1988 graduating class (ECO88) on a reunion programme on Tuesday, 26 June and Wednesday 27 June, 2018. While on a courtesy visit to the Vice Chancellor, Prof. A.I. Olayinka, FAS, the nostalgic feeling and excitement of the ECO88 set was quite palpable, both at seeing themselves after such a long time, and also at being back to their Alma mater. Speaking at the occasion, the ECO88 Class Representative, Mr. Oladapo Ojo expressed how excited and happy the class was to be back to their Alma mater which added value to them, and of which they are very proud. He bemoaned the decline in the University system in Nigeria, for which UI has also suffered, owing to lack of funds. He however stated that UI needed not suffer such, as it has its students making waves all over the world. According to Mr. Ojo, this was what motivated the decision of the ECO88 Class to hold a reunion and give back to their department in the form of an Endowment and Book Donation. In his words: “Our objective is to give back and invest into the future in appreciation of the role UI played in our lives”. In response, the Vice Chancellor, represented by the DVC (Academic), Prof. A.A. Aderinto, himself a member of the 1988 graduating class of Sociology, expressed his pleasure at receiving the ECO88 Class. He reiterated the words of ECO88 Class representative, Mr. Ojo, stressing that no University anywhere in the world survives on government funds anymore, but on endowment from Alumni. He noted that the University should not suffer for lack of funds in view of the caliber of its many alumni in various fields of human endeavours. He commended the initiative of the ECO88 Class to give back, stating that his own graduating class (Sociology88) is already emulating them by giving back to the department of Sociology. He urged others to emulate this great gesture by the ECO88 set. Also present at the occasion were the Registrar, Mrs. Olubunmi O. Faluyi, the Dean of Students, Prof. A.T.P Ajuwape, Outgoing and Incoming Deans of the Faculty of the Social Sciences, Prof. A.S. Jegede and Prof. O.P. Olapegba respectively, the Head of Department of Economics, Prof. E.O. Ogunkola, the Director, UAC, Mr. A.A. Adeosun, Director, DPC, Mr. O.M. Oladejo, the Faculty Officer, the Social Sciences, Mr. Lucky Igonor among others.