By Ola Ajayi

AS the University of Ibadan   class of 1967 marked its 50th anniversary after graduation, weekend, majority of them called on Federal and state governments to provide necessary facilities that are similar to what they enjoyed in the 60s.

The anniversary which started with a lecture and project commissioning was attended by legal luminaries, industrialists, academics, politicians and traditional rulers.

Among those in attendance were the Secretary to the Oyo State Government, Alhaji Olalekan Alli; the Vice Chancellor of the institution, Prof Abel Idowu Olayinka, Brig. Gen. Raji Rasaki, former Military Administrator of Lagos and Oyo States, Chief Adebayo Akande, Proprietor of Lagelu FM who doubles as the Maye Olubadan of Ibadanland, Professor Biola Odejide, former lecturer at the Communication and Language Arts Department, Iyalode Sade Ogunbiyi, Dr. Kemi Emina, National President, University of Ibadan Alumni Association and the Registrar of the institution, Mr. Olujinmi Olukoya, among others.

Traditional rulers at the event were Oba Kolawole Adegbola, Ekerin Olubadan, Oba Lateef Adebimpe, Ashipa Balogun, Oba Eddy Oyewole, Ashipa Olubadan, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, Oba Tajudeen Ajibola, Osi Balogun and others.

Some of the 1967 alumni of the institution while giving reminiscences spoke about excellent facilities they enjoyed, saying they hoped the present generation of students would have access to it.

In his words, Prof Oladele Osibanjo, President, UIAA, Ibadan branch said he saw men and women in the 1967 class who had excelled in their chosen fields adding “when I count my blessings, I always thank God I attended UI.”

Mrs Izegbua Amusu, also an alumnus of the institution said, “We wish that one day, our children will have the same opportunity and nourishment that we had during our days. Today, wherever we go, we see UI graduates in high places.”

The 1967 class which is an off-shoot of the UI Alumni Association listed the projects it had delivered to the institution. The projects include design and construction of the main gate of the institution, bus stop in front of Queens Hall, donation of 2,500 dollars to the Canton Challenge through the advancement centre of the institution, donation of N1m for the development of the university and endowment of prizes to the Faculties of Agriculture and Education.

The anniversary was rounded off with a dinner that took place at the International Conference Centre of the institution.