CoMUI Provost Urges UI Be Allowed to Charge Students Competitively; College Owes 50 Million Naira Electricity Bill

Concerning funding, the Provost of the College of Medicine, Professor Olayinka Omigbodun, has suggested that the University of Ibadan should be allowed to charge students competitively. This was contained in her address at the distinguished alumni lecture of the Ibadan College of Medicine Alumni Association (ICOMAA) Worldwide that was held on 11th November 2021 at the Paul Hendrickse Lecture Theatre in the University College Hospital.

The event had in attendance the new Vice-Chancellor of the University, Professor Kayode O. Adebowale who was represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics). Also in attendance were Professor Ronke Baiyeroju, the DVC (admin), Emeritus Professor Oluwole Akande, Prof. Otolorin (ICOMMA Worldwide President), the guest lecturer, Prof Olufunmilayo Fawole, many more dignitaries, students, and alumni of the College.

Stressing the need to improve funding in the University system, the Provost touched on how the University was currently charging about $50 as fees and suggested that the University should be allowed to charge competitively while the government gives student loans and scholarships.
“Students pay $200 in the College while outside here, students pay up to $90,000. Students get the best quality of education at $200 and will still end up working for the US, UK, and Australia.” She said.

The Provost decried the level of funding she has received from the government and University since she took over as the Provost about a year ago. She mentioned that the College has been doing well in international rankings and has been contributing significantly to the University’s improved ranking. She then urged the Vice Chancellor to devote more funding to the College to encourage them to do better and further improve the University’s ranking.

“I don’t think I’ve received any funding from the government or the University since I became Provost. The University has, however, been paying our electricity bill, although we are still in debt. We still have about 50 million naira to pay.”

This, she said, has led to talks of disconnection from the University College Hospital.

She further stated that the College has to pay 2 million naira per month for security bills, taken from the College’s IGR – majorly grants. She also said the College has to pay some college staff from personal grants. She had to initially pay for 20 premium Zoom accounts from her own pocket at the beginning of virtual classes.

Professor Omigbodun also poked holes in the use of the Treasury Single Account policy run by the federal government. “Grants are paid into the Treasury Single Account in Abuja. The government deducted $25 for every withdrawal from the TSA. We have to wait up to six months sometimes to get money from the TSA.”

The Provost then went on to shed light on the school’s efforts in helping indigent students through the Students’ Welfare Committee headed by Dr. Adesina. She stated that the College got 1000 letters during the first call and had to restructure the call such that only 53 people eventually applied.

She concluded by appreciating IMSG (2.5 million naira donation every year), ICOMAA president, and Dr. Abib Olamitoye (sponsoring five students), who have confirmed they would be sponsoring some of these indigent students.