An alumnus of the Premier University in Nigeria–University of Ibadan, Dr. Olaitan Victor, has donated a solar power system to the institution’s Faculty of Science and the Faculty Laboratory.
The donation was made during a brief ceremony attended by faculty members, students, and alumni, where Dr. Olaitan expressed her commitment to supporting the institution that shaped her career.
Dr (Mrs) Olaitan, who said she was inspired to make the donation noted that it was part of her adding value to the education system and giving back to the academic institution for impacting her with the right education, virtues, and discipline to become who she has become.
Dr Olaitan made the handling over on Monday, September 30 at the Faculty Conference room, University of Ibadan.
The solar system comprised of two large panels and two inverters which include a 5KVA and a 3KVA handed over to both the Faculty and the Department of Zoology.
While the Dean, Faculty of Science, Professor O. O. Sonibare, received the 5KVA inverter and panel on behalf of the Faculty, Professor Aina Adeogun received the 3KVA on behalf of the Zoology Department.
Speaking shortly before the official handing over, Dr Olaitan said the solar system was her contribution to the advancement of education which she noted would provide sustainable energy for the entire Faculty and Zoology departmental in carrying out various activities and research work.
“It is essential for us to embrace renewable energy solutions, not just for the environment, but to empower our students and enhance their learning experience,” he stated.
In addition to the donation, Dr. Olaitan called for collective efforts in supporting the upcoming Ibadan North bi-election. She urged students and the faculty to engage actively in the electoral process to ensure that their voices are heard.
“Today is actually a special day for meme. I’m happy that I left this school and I’m able to make a mark. When I asked my daughter to come here, she said mom, they’re too hard and strict in that school, I don’t want to go there.
“But I assured her she was not going to any glorified secondary school in the guise of a university, so I insisted she come and study here and today I’m proud and glad that we’re making impacts.
“It’s not just about donating, it’s about making impacts and adding value to our education system. One thing that is certain is that we can’t expect government to do everything. To be sincere, government is trying and I’m not saying this because I’m a politician, it is the truth.
“I know one of the main challenges we have in Nigeria today is electricity, so it was an opportunity for me when Prof, the Dean mentioned solar energy as one of the urgent needs of the Faculty, I didn’t even think twice to agree and that’s why I’m donating this power generating facilities to provide uninterrupted supply of electricity to the entire Faculty and my department.
Earlier, the Dean of Faculty of Science, Professor Sonibare expressed gratitude for Dr. Olaitan’s generous donation, noting that it will significantly impact research capabilities and energy sustainability within the department.
He commended the donor for the gesture and called on other alumni of the Faculty to emulate Dr Olaitan in giving back to the society and the institution.
Meanwhile, Dr Olaitan, accompanied by party stalwarts has solicited the support of the academic community especially the faculty ahead of the forthcoming by-election into the federal House of Representatives seat under Ibadan North Federal Constituency.
Dr Olaitan, member of the All Progressives Congreas, Oyo state chapter is seeking the to contest for the vacant House of Seat following the death of late Honorable Musiliu Akinremi, who died after a brief illness.
She assured of qualitative representation based on discipline and virtues instilled in her from the premier university while also appealing for calm and more patience from the President Bola Tinubu led government saying local issues are peculiar to the state and grassroots, and should not be judged based on national issues.