UI, Ibadan— An expert in the energy sector, known for his deep expertise and strategic acumen in engineering, business management, and executive leadership, and the Managing Director/CEO, Aradel Holdings, Engineer Adegbite Falade has acknowledged that his time at the University of Ibadan played a crucial role in shaping his life and career.
Engineer Adegbite Falade, who disclosed this at the Sultan Bello Hall Alumni Lecture and Recognition Day 2024, said Sultan Bello Hall had been home to many noble, industrious and dedicated students of UI for decades, saying that he counted himself fortunate to be among them.
The theme of the lecture was “Career Progression from School to Town: Life in University as a Foundation for Success.”
Engineer Falade stated that the experiences and lessons he learnt while living in Sultan Bello Hall of residence have provided him with a foundation of lifelong skills that have benefited him in every aspect of life and being in the Hall brought back many fond memories.
According to the Guest Lecturer, today’s journey from ‘Gown to Town’ will most likely look quite different as the employment market is a lot more fragmented and competitive, adding that simply entering the workforce, getting to “Town”, is just the first step while establishing and progressing in career is where the real challenge lies.
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He told his listeners that it was no longer enough to just have an excellent degree but a solid foundation that shows analytical skills and independent thought was necessary and encouraged them to identify what differentiates them in a crowded employment market–a unique selling point.
Engr. Falade stated that education will give them the analytical skills needed, but what sets them apart is their commitment to continuous learning and personal development, emphasising how vital these qualities are in achieving long-term success.
He charged the residents of Sultan Bello Hall, ‘the Bellites,’ to approach every problem with as much creativity in proferring solutions as what it took in analysing it.
He urged them to keep going, no matter the setbacks saying that disappointments would come, but the key is to rise again, learn from the mistakes, and keep moving toward their goals.
The Guest Lecturer encouraged Bellites to make the most of every opportunity given, maintain a growth mindset, take risks, and be bold to achieve dreams and create their own opportunities.
Engineer Falade advised the students to invest in genuine friendships and relationships, build them out selflessly, invest in the life and progress of others as a matter of principle and purpose, select friends with common purpose, passion and values, but most importantly friends that help enhance the value of their lives and vice versa.
The Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Administration, University of Ibadan, Professor Peter O. Olapegba, fspsp, FNPA on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Kayode Oyebode Adebowale, mni, FAS, fspsp, welcomed the alumni back to their alma mater and appreciated the management of Sultan Bello Hall for putting the programme together.
He explained that one of the challenges facing federal universities is funding, stressing the need for the universities to develop sustainable funding regimes with the alumni.
Professor Olapegba commended Sultan Bello Hall for flagging off the alumni lecture series and hoped that other halls of residence would emulate the initiative.
The Hall Warden of Sultan Bello Hall, Dr. O. O. Oyebola said the alumni are the banners of the university, adding that the Sultan Bello Hall alumni have been relevant in the development of the hall through the provision of solar light, facelift of the basement of the hall, renovation of the Porter’s lodge, painting of the dome, the meeting room and the Warden’s office.
Dr. Oyebola said the ceremony was also to celebrate and honour 13 alumni of Sultan Bello Hall with awards of recognition and also to recognise the services of past hall masters, hall wardens and assistant hall wardens.
The Awardees were:
●Mr. Julius Olufemi Oke
●Engr. Adeleye Falade
●Prof. Abel Idowu Olayinka, FAS
●Prof. O. Charles Aworh
●Mr. Emmanuel Edah
●Engr. Femi Babalola
●Adeyinka M. Kotoye, SAN, MCIArb, FCTI
●Dr. Adesola Kazeem Adeduntan, FCIB, FCA
●Prof. Solomon Lagbenga Larinde
●Mr Adetunji Lamidi
●Engr. Adegbite Falade
●Mr. Bamgboye S. Pade
●Barrister Nnamdi Obi
Dr. Oyebola solicited more support from the alumni in the extension of the blocks, provision of double bed bunks, and the installation of a solar system in the entire hall and other projects.
On the occasion, goodwill messages were delivered by Professor Idowu Abel Olayinka FAS; Engr. Femi Babalola; Alhaji Ganiyu Dada Bello; Mr. Julius Femi Oke; Mrs Tejumola Ajao (Alumni Relations Officer); and the President of the Students’ Union, Bolaji Aweda.
The Awardees thanked the management of Sultan Bello Hall and assured of further support for the development of the hall.
