FirstBank CEO Named Ambassador of UI’s 75th Anniversary

Nume Ekeghe 

The Chief Executive Officer, FirstBank of Nigeria Limited, Dr. Adesola Adeduntan has been designated as the ambassador for the University of Ibadan (UI) 75th anniversary celebration, in acknowledgment of his outstanding achievements as an alumnus.

In addition, Adeduntan has stressed the significance of private sector engagement in strengthening technology education across Nigerian universities, citing the importance of nurturing graduates who can excel in the international arena.

He made this call recently at a courtesy visit to FirstBank’s Head office in Lagos, where the Vice Chancellor UI, Professor Kayode Adebowale, and his board visited to confer the recognition upon Adeduntan.

Speaking on the recognition, he said: “This award holds immense significance for me. Graduating from a university, especially one as prestigious as the University of Ibadan, holds great value. This is actually the second time I have been honored, around two years ago, I was recognised as the most distinguished alumi.

“Considering this, the present recognition carries even more weight. Adding to its significance is the fact that another recipient is Professor Babagana Zulum, the current governor of Borno State, I’m in esteemed company.”

On his call for emphasis on supporting Nigerian universities on technology, he said: “In this era dominated by technology, our world is governed by its advancements. Observing the current state of our universities, it’s evident that we lag significantly in terms of technology.”

On his part, Adebowale said: “Dr. Adeduntan is one of the proud alumni of our great university. We have followed all the things he has been doing particularly in FirstBank and even before you know he became MD of FirstBank, he exudes the motto of the University of Ibadan, which is to think straight is the fount of knowledge. So, he carries both the knowledge and he carries the character.”

The Chairman of the UI@75 Anniversary Committee,  Professor Peter Olapegba identified the thematic projects for which the University intends to raise funds.

He listed the projects as the shoring up of the University’s Endowment Fund; infrastructures development; alternative energy for the University; students’ scholarship funds; and staff development funds.