The Deputy Governor of Lagos State Obafemi Hamzat has been appointed ambassador of the University of Ibadan (UI).
The investiture took place on Tuesday during a courtesy call to Hamzat by a delegation from the university led by the vice chancellor Prof. Kayode Adebowale at Alausa, Lagos.
Hamzat is a 1986 graduate of agricultural engineering and 1988 master of science degree holder in agricultural engineering from UI.
The deputy governor appreciated the delegation for the recognition, assuring that he is always ready to partner with other products of the university to make it top-notch.
Hamzat stated that the government alone cannot fund universities but needs the support of well-meaning Nigerians.
“University is the only environment where ideas are galvanised and brought to fruition through innovations, patents among others.
“For a country to be great, there must be good funding, then all hands must be on deck.
“Also, universities, especially the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) should work hand in hand with the government in order to make sure that we have better and quality education,” he said.
Hamzat, therefore, charged stakeholders and individuals in the society who are financially capable of supporting universities in development projects.
According to him, alumni associations should be encouraged to give back to the institutions where they graduated from.
The vice chancellor in his remarks commended the deputy governor for being very proactive as an alumnus of the institution.
Adebowale said the investiture was a testament to the good character and excellence of the deputy governor.
“We are proud of you as an alumnus and for your various contributions to the development of the school,” he said.