Efforts to improve teaching, research and community outreach in the College of Medicine, University of Ibadan (CoMUI) received a great boost yesterday, 6 July 2022, with the donation of a brand new 16-Seater Toyota Hiace Bus by the Management of BOVAS & Company Limited. Earlier in the day, the Provost of CoMUI, Professor Olayinka Omigbodun FAS, had received a surprise phone call from BOVAS & Company informing her that a brand-new bus which had just been purchased was on its way from Lagos to be delivered to the College.
On their arrival in CoMUI, the BOVAS team led by the General Manager, Corporate Affairs and External Relations, Mr. Abayomi Bello was received by the Provost and her team.
Mr. Bello who was accompanied on the visit by Mrs. Adedayo Olajide and Mrs Mobolaji Ogunnaike, commended the Provost for her doggedness and steadfastness while making the request for the bus from the company. He pointed out that BOVAS & Company Ltd made the donation of the bus to demonstrate the love of the company for Nigerian youths. He noted that the Toyota bus will enhance the mobility of the students during their postings and sundry trips.
Mr. Bello thanked the College for doing its best to create a good future for the students. He stated that the bus had been registered and a two-year comprehensive insurance had been taken out on it. He added that the bus would also enjoy free servicing from Elizade Motors for the first 1,000km.
At the symbolic and colourful gathering, the documents of the 16-seater bus were presented to the Provost, Professor Olayinka Omigbodun, and the Deputy Provost, Professor A.F. Adeniyi.
While giving the vote of thanks on behalf of CoMUI, the Deputy Provost commended the Management of BOVAS & Company Limited, for promptly considering and attending to the request of the College, despite the long list of demands for assistance directed to the Company from many quarters. To him, this gesture reveals the depth of goodwill BOVAS has towards the College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, and their support for the education and progress of Nigerian youths.
The Provost made a special presentation of some CoMUI corporate gifts to the CEO, Managing Director, other leaders of BOVAS & Company Limited (in absentia) and to the representatives of the company at the event. The keys to the 16-seater Toyota bus were thereafter presented to the Provost.
Other members of the College Executive Committee present at this event were the Acting Secretary to the College, Barrister Akin Agbaje, the Financial Controller, Mrs. Folakemi Ajayi, the Acting Medical Librarian, Dr. Grace Ajuwon, the Dean, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Professor Babafemi Olaleye, the Dean, Faculty of Clinical Science, Professor Mayowa Owolabi FAS, the Dean, Faculty of Dentistry, Professor Juliana Taiwo and the Director, Institute of Advanced Medical Research and Training (IAMRAT), Professor Ikeoluwapo Ajayi. Other members of staff present included the Chief Accountant, Mr. Olajoju, the Officer in Charge of Grants, Mr. Abolusodun and the Senior Assistant Registrar in the Provost’s Office, Mr. Oluyinka Adedayo.
Some student leaders were on hand to represent the Student Community, among these were: the first Female President of the University of Ibadan Medical Students Association (UIMSA), Miss Jacchima Nwagbara, the Chairman of Alexander Brown Hall (ABH), Mr Oluwaferanmi Salami, the immediate Past Chairman, Alexander Brown Hall (ABH), Mr Olaoye Jegede, President, University Association of Dental Students, Mr Victor Somoye, General Secretary, Association of Physiotherapy Students Mr Ayomide Elija, and President, Oyo State Medical Students Association, Mr Oluwadamilare Ojo.
On behalf of the entire CoMUI Community, staff, students and alumni, the CoMUI Executive Committee expresses their deep gratitude to BOVAS & Company Limited for this great honour and surprise donation.
Provost and Deputy Provost with the Managing Director of BOVAS & Company Ltd. earlier on this year when an advocacy visit was paid