UI Partners World Bank In New “Out-Of-School Project”

 

The Acting Vice-Chancellor (V.C) of the University of Ibadan (U.I), Prof. Adebola Babatunde Ekanola has stated that the institution is ready to collaborate with the World Bank in its “Out-of-School Project” as one of U.I’s efforts to promote literacy coupled with the World Bank’s effort to reposition higher institutions as service providers.

The Acting V.C shared this information during a courtesy visit to his office by World Bank education expert, Dr. Olatunde Adekola on Tuesday, 4th May, 2021. During the meeting, the acting V.C emphasized U.I’s commitment to promote literacy through teaching and learning.

He also praised the efforts of the school management, staff and student body for their commitment to education which has propelled the University to its current global ranking. Professor Ekanola also thanked the World Bank for rolling out the project and also for being of great help to U.I and society in general.

The Senior Education Specialist, World Bank, Dr. Olatunde Adekola, while speaking, stated that the World Bank’s priority is the “Out-of-School Project”. According to him, “this will ensure that children, especially those in villages get educated which will include establishing schools in villages, and ensuring that the present school children do not stop going to school.”

The international education expert also stated that that the main reason for their visit to the University of Ibadan is to support teaching and research through collaboration.

In his words: “The World Bank now thinks of how to position the University system beyond providing funds. Therefore, World Bank sees Universities as service providers that should not be seeking funds but should be the one providing funds, as other Parastatals that do not depend fully on the government.”

Dr. Adekola was accompanied for the courtesy visit by: The Director, Institute of Education, Prof. Olugbenga Adewale and other staff of the Institute of Education: Prof. Folajogun Falaye, Prof. Adams Onuka, Prof. Modupe Osokoya, Prof. Adenike Emeke, Prof. Monica Odinko, Dr. Abijo Ayobami, Dr. Serifat Akorede, Dr. Felix Ibode, Mrs. Adejoke Akinpelu and Mrs. Chioma Ekemezie.

Also Present were the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Mrs. Olubunmi O. Faluyi; University Librarian, Dr. Helen Komolafe-Opadeji; Dean, Students Affairs, Prof. ‘Keye Abiona; Deputy Registrar, Vice-Chancellor’s Office, Mr. Oluwole Dada; Director, University Advancement Centre, Mr. Adebowale Adeosun; Director, Directorate of Public Communication, Mr. Olatunji Oladejo ably represented by Mr. Olukunle Oladipo.