The Vice Chancellor of University of Ibadan, Professor Kayode Adebowale, has revealed that public universities are responsible for about 96 percent of the nation’s educational assets, underscoring their pivotal role in driving tertiary education.
While noting that Nigeria has a total of 274 universities, comprising 62 federal universities, 63 state universities, and 149 private universities, both the state and federal universities continue to serve as the backbone of tertiary education, sustaining the nation’s tertiary education system.
Professor Adebowale made these remarks during a courtesy visit by members of the Anatomical Society of Nigeria, led by its national president, Professor Barnabas Danborno, towards the commencement of the 20th annual scientific conference and general meeting of the body.
The theme of the three-day conference was “Anatomy in Health and Disease: Exploring the Potentials of Microscopy and Anthropometry.”
The VC stated that research is the core driver of a university’s success and not mere physical infrastructure, the reason,he said,the University of Ibadan consistently hosts and supports conferences.
He acknowledged the presence of Nigeria’s oldest and longest living medically qualified anatomist, Emeritus Professor Ayodele Babajide Olukoya Desalu, who was also on the team, applauding him for his significant contributions to the field of Anatomy in Nigeria and his unrelenting involvement even at the age of 92.
Professor Adebowale lauded the unity of purpose within the Department of Anatomy in UI, recognising the collaborative efforts of both seasoned professionals and emerging scholars.
He also appreciated the department for keeping the flag flying and providing community services, assuring it of its continued support.
In his remarks as a doyen of Anatomy in Nigeria, Professor A. B. O. Desalu recalled that medical students were the first set of students to receive lectures at the permanent site of the University of Ibadan.
Appreciating the management team of the institution for its warm reception and hosting the 20th conference, the national president of the Anatomical Society of Nigeria, Professor Barnabas Danborno, acknowledged its contributions towards ensuring the success of the scientific conference.
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