By ENITAN ABEL JOHNGOLD ORHERUATA, mnipr
A former Delta State governor, a former Kano State governor, a foremost traditional ruler, serving and former vice-chancellors, a renowned medical specialist and other eminent Nigerians have been inaugurated into the newly constituted Board of Trustees of the University of Ibadan Alumni Association (UIAA) Worldwide.
The inauguration ceremony of the newly constituted Board of Trustees (BoT) was performed by the Acting Worldwide President of the University of Ibadan Alumni Association (UIAA), Prof. Terrumun Hembaor Gajir. He was assisted by the Association’s 1st Worldwide Vice President, Dr. Irene Irenosen Akhideno; a member of the UIAA Trust Fund, Prof. Obi Emenike; and two former Worldwide Presidents, Dr. N. C. Merenu and Prof. Kemi Emina, at the Dame Edith Okowa Auditorium, University of Ibadan, Ibadan
The Board, which reflects a broad mix of public service, academia, traditional leadership and professional excellence, was formally inaugurated on Saturday, August 29, 2026, at the Dame Edith Okowa Auditorium, Dr. Michael Omolayole Alumni Complex, University of Ibadan.
Leading the seven-member Board is the Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, Oba Dr. Adedotun Michael Aremu Gbadebo III, CFR, who was inaugurated as Chairman.
Former Governor of Kano State and immediate past National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, CFR, emerged as Vice-Chairman.
Other members are former Governor of Delta State, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa, CON; Dr. Achilihu Onye, a renowned cardiologist; Vice-Chancellor of Lagos State University, Distinguished Professor Ibiyemi Ibilola Olatunji-Bello; Professor Charity Angya, former Vice-Chancellor of Benue State University, Makurdi; and Professor Mohammed Kyari, Vice-Chancellor of the Nigerian Army University, Biu.
The emergence of the new Board followed a resolution of the 205th Worldwide Executive Council meeting of UIAA Worldwide hosted by the Isoko Chapter in March 2026.
At the meeting, a motion calling for the replacement of Board members whose tenures had expired and the filling of vacancies created by the death of some former members was unanimously adopted.
A nomination process reflecting the national spread of the University of Ibadan Alumni family followed, with the nominees subsequently ratified at a WEC meeting hosted by the Anambra State Branch of UIAA in Awka in May 2026.
The newly constituted Board was thereafter duly registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission before its formal inauguration.
In his inaugural address, Oba Gbadebo said the composition of the Board reflected the diversity, depth and strength of the University of Ibadan family.
He said the members brought together a wealth of experience from public service, academia, administration, professional practice and community leadership.
“Beyond our individual accomplishments, we have one common identity: we are Great UIites,” he said.
The Alake described the inauguration as a moment of renewal and a reaffirmation of the collective commitment of alumni to the ideals of the University of Ibadan.
He said the responsibility of the new Board went beyond preserving institutional records and properties.
“Our responsibility is to help preserve the unity, dignity, integrity and enduring legacy of the University of Ibadan Alumni Association,” he said.
The monarch announced that reconciliation would be one of the immediate priorities of the Board, particularly among members and chapters where disagreements have strained relationships.
He said the Board would work to reconcile aggrieved alumni in Warri, Ughelli, Bayelsa, Lagos, Abuja, Ekiti and other locations.
The Chairman said the Board would pursue dialogue and consultation rather than division.
Chairman and Vice Chairman of UIAA Board of Trustees
“There should be no winners and no losers when Great UIites are divided. The real loser is the University of Ibadan Alumni Association itself,” he said.
Oba Gbadebo also pledged to promote a cordial working relationship between the management of the University of Ibadan and the Alumni Association.
He said the University and its alumni must work as partners in progress to advance the growth and global reputation of the institution.
The BoT Chairman stressed that the Board would complement the elected leadership of UIAA Worldwide and respect the authority of the Association’s duly constituted organs.
Ganduje, in his remarks, traced his longstanding relationship with the University of Ibadan to his professional involvement with the institution during the early years of the development of Abuja.
He recalled the role played by University of Ibadan consultants in matters relating to settlement, resettlement and compensation following the creation of the Federal Capital Territory.
The former Kano State governor said he was impressed by the professionalism and integrity of the University’s consultants, an experience which later influenced his decision to pursue his PhD in Public Administration at the University.
Ganduje enrolled for his doctoral programme at the University of Ibadan in 1988 and completed it in 1993.
He described his relationship with the institution as natural and enduring, noting that his family also has strong ties with the University.
He also recalled his contributions to infrastructure development within the institution and commended the University management for sustaining its legacy and core values.
The Vice-Chancellor of Lagos State University, Professor Olatunji-Bello, attended the inauguration alongside members of her management team, including the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Academics, Professor Oseni Taiwo Afisi; Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Administration, Professor Oluwatoyin Ayokunle Enikuomehin; and the Bursar, Mr. Olabisi Ibrahim Yusuf, FCA.
Paying tribute to former members of the Board, Oba Gbadebo acknowledged the contributions of Dr. Michael Omolayole, Elder Felix Ohiwerei, Senator T. O. Orji, Senator George Akume, Mrs. Maureen Bakare, the late Senator Jonathan Zwingina and the late Chief Dr. P. C. Obakponovwe, among others.
He said their service had contributed immensely to the growth, stability and advancement of the Association.
As the new Board assumes office, Oba Gbadebo said its focus would be to build a stronger, more united and more respected Alumni Association capable of serving future generations of graduates of Nigeria’s premier university.
“Our immediate task will be reconciliation. Our broader mission will be unity,” he said.
“And our ultimate goal is to leave behind an Alumni Association that is stronger, more united, more respected and better positioned to serve generations yet unborn.”