The University of Ibadan (UI) has appointed and decorated Gov. Seyi Makinde of Oyo State as the ‘Ambassador Extraordinaire’ ahead of its 75th anniversary.

UI Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Kayode Adebowale, led the institution’s management team and members of the anniversary committee to the event at the Governor’s office, Agodi, Ibadan on Monday.

The governor was decorated with a plaque and a garland of honour.

Adebowale said the award was in recognition of the governor’s contributions to the development of the university over the years.

“UI is grateful to you as a wonderful governor, and it is obvious that our university has been a great beneficiary of your good service.

“On behalf of the management, staff and students of the University of Ibadan, I congratulate you on your recent outstanding victory at the polls.

“Your reelection is a testament to your sterling performance and very humane policies in your first term.

“It is our prayer that your second term will be far more impactful than the first term, even as we pray for good health and God’s wisdom for you and those working with you,” he said.

In his remarks, Makinde, who appreciated the UI management for the honour bestowed on him, promised to continue to work with the university.

“This is a significant milestone. I will do my best to provide support for the anniversary and the university,” he said.

He noted that the institution has continued to be helpful to the state in terms of human capacity development and other areas.

“Over the years, the University of Ibadan has always been there with the resources to help the state. For this administration, you will probably say we have been poaching talents from the institution.

“What we have done basically are things that should have been done a long time ago. This is because we have the resources right there and what to do is to leverage the closeness of the institution to the government.

“So, we will continue to come and knock on the door of UI to support the state,” he said.

Makinde further promised that his administration would give the institution a better ambience by embarking on some facelift work at the university’s frontage.

“As part of the construction and improvement of junctions being carried out by the administration, the Orogun-Ajibode-Sasa junction will also be reconstructed,” Makinde added.