AN ADDRESS DELIVERED BY THE PRO-CHANCELLOR AND CHAIRMAN OF THE GOVERNING COUNCIL, HON. GBENGA ONIGBOGI, B.Sc., FCA , AT THE INAUGURATION OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES FOR THE UNIVERSITY’S ADVANCEMENT CENTRE ON THURSDAY, 19th DECEMBER, 2024
It gives me great honour to perform the official inauguration of the Board of Trustees (BOT) of the University of Ilesa’s Advancement Centre as I warmly welcome you all to this auspicious occasion.
Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, the concept of Advancement Centre in an Institution has attracted global recognition as a veritable strategy for attracting academic support. It has also been adopted by most universities in Nigeria and UNILESA must not be left out in adopting this noble initiative. This, basically, informed the need for the Governing Council to establish an Advancement Centre as provided for in the Governance Charter of this University.
Our ultimate goal is therefore to build a world-class institution of higher learning and to achieve this, a multi-dimensional approach to
resource mobilization must be deployed as it has become obvious that Governments alone can no longer be solely responsible funding of education in view of the competing demands from other sectors. Hence, the need for us to think within and outside the box towards ensuring adequate funding of our universities.
As spelt out in the University Governance Charter, the functions of the University Advancement Centre are to:
(1) Generate community philanthropic support for the academic programmes of the University and the development of its physical
infrastructure.
(2) Raise and manage industry support for the benefit of the University, with specific focus on students’ scholarships, students’ housing, faculty talent building, research, infrastructural
development, and community service.
(3) Develop and manage an endowment fund for the University.
(4) Advise and guide donors, connecting their passion with the priorities of the University.
(5) Engage the community, the private sector, alumni and volunteers in the life of the University.
(6) Partner with the University to address major institutional challenges, especially as regards financial sustainability.
(7) Build and create partnerships with industry and business to drive workforce development and the employability of the university’s graduates.
(8) Prepare an annual report on the activities of the University’s Advancement Centre and its financial status for consideration of the
Governing Council.
(9) The Advancement Centre’s role is not confined to those functions set out in this document or as delegated to it from time to time by the Governing Council. The Advancement Centre may prescribe
Ordinances and Procedures to regulate its own business within the relevant Statues of the University Charter.
(10) The Advancement Centre will, having regard to the educational needs and aspirations of the University, achieve these objectives in several ways, including:
(a) developing strategies and initiatives to assist the University in fundraising and in the advancement and promotion of its reputation and standing;
(b) providing funds for priority areas which include scholarships, student housing, research, community service, faculty capacity building, and infrastructure;
(c) encouraging and seeking donations and undertaking fundraising activities by appropriate means;
(d) liaising and working with the government, alumni, private sector partners and host communities in achieving its objectives
in relation to fundraising.
To ensure that the mandate of the Advancement Centre is successfully delivered, the Governing Council has constituted a Board of Trustees (BOT), consisting of distinguished and eminent personalities with national and international clout.
Today has therefore been set aside for the formal inauguration of this Board, with its membership as follows:
(i) Mr. Supo Shadiya as the Chairman,
(ii) Professor Taiwo Olufemi Asaolu as an Ex-Officio Member,
(iii) Professor Oyewusi Gureje as a Member,
(iv) Sir Isaac Dipo Komolafe as a Member, and
(v) Mr. Akingbade Latilo as the Director of the Centre.
I am aware that this assignment is a special and a strategic one, for that matter. It will therefore require your time, energy and even,
resources. You are therefore enjoined to see it as a clarion call to the service of our dear University in particular and Osun State in general.
Let me also mention that, by setting up the Advancement Centre and inaugurating its BOT, we are trying to complement the support the
University has received and will continue to receive from the administration of His Excellency, Senator Ademola Jackson
Nurudeen Adeleke. The University of Ilesa has indeed received great and very commendable level of supports from Mr. Governor, which
include regular release of funds for upgrading and face-lifting of the facilities inherited by the University upon its take-off; construction of
internal road network, which is still on-going; regular payment of staff salaries; provision of official vehicles for Principal Officers; etc.
We will continue to appreciate Mr. Governor for his magnanimity, passion and interest for the development of the University of Ilesa,
without which, the University would not have successfully taken off and developed to the level that it is today.
Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, it is now my pleasure to officially inaugurate the Board of Trustees for the Advancement Centre of the
University of Ilesa, Ilesa, Osun State. May God help you to deliver the tasks ahead of you and may I assure you of the support from the
Governing Council and Management of the University to the Board of Trustees.
In conclusion, it is hereby my pleasure to present to the Chairman and members of the Board, copies of the University’s Law and the
University’s Governance Charter.
Thank you and God bless.
Hon. Olugbenga Onigbogi, B.Sc., FCA
Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council
Study @ Achievers University
