By Otitoju Femi
The Vice-Chancellor of Venite University, Iloro-Ekiti, Professor Charity Aremu, has sought strategic collaboration and institutional support from the Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE), Professor Joshua Olalekan Ogunwole, during a courtesy visit to the institution.
Leading the delegation from Venite University, Professor Charity Aremu stated that the visit was aimed at exploring areas of mutual benefit and strengthening academic partnerships between the two institutions.
“We are here to explore ways of advancing our academic endeavours,” she said. “This courtesy visit is not just symbolic; it is intended to open doors for meaningful collaboration. We want to lean on your shoulders as we build and expand our academic programmes, particularly in the medical sciences.”
Professor Aremu emphasized that Vinite University, as a growing institution, requires support in critical areas such as laboratory development, library resources, and academic capacity building.
Highlighting the need for improved learning infrastructure, she noted:
“Our first area of request is in the laboratories. There are essential equipment and technologies we are yet to acquire. We believe FUOYE has the capacity in this regard, and we would appreciate opportunities for our students to access your facilities for research and analysis.”
She further appealed for cooperation in the area of library resources, including access to books, journals, and electronic databases.
“Your university benefits from TETFund support and has a rich repository of academic materials. We are hopeful that through collaboration—whether by donation, loan, or shared access to e-resources—our institution can benefit immensely,” she said.
Professor Aremu also stressed the importance of academic exposure for early-career lecturers, calling for consideration in conferences and research collaborations.
“We have young lecturers who need exposure through conferences and research engagements. We appeal that whenever FUOYE organizes conferences, our staff be given the opportunity to participate at subsidized rates. This will greatly enhance their academic development,” she added.
In addition, she expressed interest in fostering student engagement through joint academic, social, and sporting activities, noting that such interactions would aid talent discovery and strengthen institutional bonding.
Responding, the Vice-Chancellor of FUOYE, Professor Joshua Olalekan Ogunwole, warmly received the delegation and assured them of the university’s willingness to collaborate.
“It is my pleasure to receive Professor Charity Aremu and her team,” he said. “When ‘Charity’ comes seeking charity, there must indeed be an atmosphere of generosity.”
Professor Ogunwole noted that universities have responsibilities beyond teaching and research, emphasizing the importance of inter-institutional cooperation.
“Universities have a duty to support one another through collaboration, knowledge sharing, and capacity building. Though Vinite University is still young, its vision and commitment to quality are commendable. You have taken the right step by reaching out,” he said.
He further assured the delegation that FUOYE would consider their requests, particularly in the areas of library development and academic support.
“We have plans to extend support to other institutions, including the donation of books. Your request is well noted, and we will work out modalities to implement it. I will set up a committee to review all areas discussed and ensure actionable outcomes,” he stated.
Professor Ogunwole concluded by expressing confidence in the future of Vinite University, noting that sustained collaboration would benefit both institutions.
“We are ready to work with you. As you grow, you will also support other institutions. That is how knowledge continues to flow and institutions develop,” he added.
Notable FUOYE dignitaries present at the meeting included: Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Professor Bolanle Tajudeen Opoola; Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Designate), Professor Babatunde Afolabi; Registrar, Mr. Mufutau Ibrahim; University Librarian, Dr. Olabode Olajide; University Bursar, Dr. (Mrs.) Adebolanle Debo-Ajagunna and Head, Ikole Campus, Professor Ayodele Fajimi
Others were the Senior Technical Assistant to the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Adebola Aderibigbe; Director, Vice-Chancellor’s Office, Mrs. Oyeyimika Koyejo Fasakin and Head, Directorate of Public Affairs and Communications (DIPAC), Dr. Sunday Saanu
While other members of the Venite University delegation included: Registrar, Dr. Ezekiel Agbaje; Dean of Student Affairs, Dr. Funke Akinola; Librarian, Mr. Idowu Oye; Head, Nursing Department, Dr. Modupe Oye; Chief Science Laboratory Technologist, Mr. Oluranti Olu-Ajayi and
Public Relations Officer, Mr. David Ojeifo.
Following the meeting, Professor Ogunwole directed the University Registrar, Mr. Mufutau Ibrahim, to conduct the visiting delegation on a guided tour of the University.
During the tour, the delegation visited the laboratories in the Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences and the Faculty of Pharmacy, where they expressed satisfaction with the quality of facilities available. They noted their intention to replicate similar standards in their own institution. The team was subsequently taken round other faculties within the University.
Photo Credit: Toye Fisher
