Adeyemi Varsity VC seeks partnership with institution’s alumni association
The Vice-Chancellor of the Adeyemi Federal University of Education (AFUED) Ondo, Prof. Bayode Isaiah Popoola, has emphasized the need for stronger partnership between the institution’s Management, and its alumni association, stating that the development would advance the progress of the University.
Prof. Popoola made the statement, while having strategic meeting with staff of the University, who are members of the institution’s Alumni Association on Wednesday September 30, 2026 in the institution.
Emphasising important role being played by Alumni Association in the institution’s development, the University helmsman, described the body as critical stakeholders whose contributions are needed for the development of the University.
He advised members of the institution’s alumni to see themselves not “only as former students, but as partners and owners, with a continuing responsibility to contribute to the advancements of your alma mater”.
In addition, Prof. Popoola said alumni engagements should extend beyond financial contributions to include advocacy, mentorship, professional support, student’s development and the promotion of the University reputation and achievements.
The Vice Chancellor also called on members of the alumni association to serve as advancement ambassadors, using their professional networks and spheres of influence to promote the institution and create opportunities for strategic partnerships.
“The advancement of the university is a collective responsibility. Our alumni have a significant role to play, not only through financial support, but also through their expertise, networks, advocacy and commitment to the institution.” he said.
The University Administrator emphasized that sustained alumni participation, would be particularly important as the university develops new strategies to respond to emerging institutional needs.
Also speaking, the Ag. Director, Advancement and Alumni Relations, (AAR) AFUED Dr. Kolawole Charles Omotayo described the gathering as an important step towards mobilising alumni staff as strategic partners in the institution’s continued growth.
Omotayo said the meeting was designed to strengthen communication, encourage collaboration, and identify opportunities, through which alumni could contribute meaningfully to the development of their alma mater.
“The motive behind this meeting is simple but profound: to recognize, mobilize, and empower Alumni Staff Members as strategic partners in the advancement and development of our Alma Mater,” he said.
According to him, many members of staff were once students of the institution, before returning as lecturers, administrators, researchers, technologists and professionals, stating that the development has created a unique link between the university and its alumni community.
He said this shared history placed alumni staff in a strategic position to understand both the institution, and its former students, adding that they could help build relationships capable of mobilising support for the university.
The AFUED AAR Director, likened the university to “our own Jerusalem,” describing it as an institution that provided many alumni with their first academic opportunities, friendships, mentorship and the foundations of their professional careers and stressed that giving back to the university, should not be viewed solely in financial terms.
“When we speak of giving back to our Alma Mater, we are not speaking merely of financial donations. We are speaking of a responsibility to protect its reputation, strengthen its institutions, support its students, encourage its development, and ensure that future generations can benefit from the opportunities that shaped our own lives,” he stated.
He urged alumni staff to regard the university’s progress as a shared responsibility, noting that its achievements enhance the value of the legacy inherited by successive generations, while its challenges require collective attention and contributions.
Eminent personalities who graced the occasion included: the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, AFUED, Prof. Ireti Alao; The Registrar, Mrs. Olufisayo Fakorede; the Bursar, Mrs. Tawio Adedoyin as well as Professors, Associate Professors, Deans, Directors senior academic staff of the University.
