The University of Ibadan has formally handed over a newly completed building complex to its Faculty of Law, marking a significant development in the institution’s efforts to strengthen infrastructure for teaching, learning and legal research.
The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Kayode O. Adebowale, formally presented the facility to the Faculty, describing the completion of the project as an important milestone despite the challenges encountered during its execution.
The building complex was constructed under the Needs Assessment Intervention of the Federal Ministry of Education, a funding mechanism designed to support infrastructure development in Nigerian universities.
Professor Adebowale explained that projects funded under the intervention were subject to strict regulations, adding that certain adjustments could only be made with the approval of the Implementation Monitoring Committee.
He said fluctuations in construction costs affected the execution of the project, making it necessary for the University to rescope aspects of the original plan to ensure that available funds were directed towards the most essential components.
According to the Vice-Chancellor, the University had to obtain the approval of the Implementation Monitoring Committee before proceeding with the rescoping process, a decision that eventually enabled the institution to continue the project and bring it to completion.
Adebowale described the new facility as a historic edifice and said the challenges encountered from the conception of the project had provided important lessons for the University.
He expressed confidence that the experience would help the institution improve the planning and execution of future infrastructure projects and reduce possible delays.
The Vice-Chancellor commended Professor Oluyemisi A. Bamgbose, SAN, the immediate past Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Research, Innovation and Strategic Partnerships and former Dean of the Faculty of Law, for her consistent advocacy for the completion of the project.
He also appreciated the contractors for their commitment and sacrifices, assuring the Faculty that the University would provide adequate security and additional facilities to ensure that the building was fully functional.
The Dean of the Faculty of Law, Professor Adekunle Aina, described the handover as the beginning of a new chapter for the Faculty.
Aina said the new complex would provide an improved environment for teaching, learning, research, intellectual discourse, innovation and engagement with the legal profession and wider society.
He noted that the Faculty of Law had played an important role in Nigeria’s development through the training of lawyers, academics, judges, policymakers, administrators and other leaders.
The Dean said the responsibility of the Faculty was not only to preserve its long-standing legacy but also to build upon it and create greater opportunities for future generations.
He assured the University Management that the facility would be properly utilised and maintained for the benefit of present and future students and members of staff.
Also speaking, the Director of Physical Planning and Project Management, Professor B. I. O. Dahunsi, said the project passed through several challenges and changes before its eventual completion.
He urged members of the Faculty to take collective responsibility for maintaining the building and encouraged them to promptly report any defects requiring correction.
Goodwill messages were delivered on behalf of Professor Oluyemisi Bamgbose, SAN, by Professor Omolade Olomola, while the immediate past Dean of the Faculty, Professor John Oluwole A. Akintayo, also congratulated the University and Faculty on the completion of the project.
The handover of the new complex represents a major addition to the University of Ibadan’s infrastructure and provides the Faculty of Law with expanded opportunities to strengthen academic activities, research and professional development.
