The University of Ibadan (UI) has cemented a significant partnership with one of its distinguished alumni, marking a major boost for academic research and student support. The institution formally signed a Deed of Gift and a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with International Energy Services Limited (IESL) on 13 January 2026.
A Model for Sustainable Collaboration
Representing the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Kayode Adebowale, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Prof. Peter Olapegba, received the Chairman of IESL, Dr. Diran Fawibe. Prof. Olapegba hailed the ceremony as the start of a sustainable relationship and a model for how industry and universities can work together. He praised Dr. Fawibe, a UI @75 Ambassador, for his continued commitment to empowering Nigeria's future leaders.
The Deputy Vice-Chancellor recalled that Dr. Fawibe had previously donated ₦20 million to the university following his ambassadorial decoration. This new initiative represents a structured, long-term benefaction designed in collaboration with IESL management.
Details of the Generous Gift
The partnership includes several concrete components aimed at fostering education and innovation:
- A new research facility to be housed within the Faculty of Multidisciplinary Studies. The Centre for Petroleum, Energy, Economics and Law (CPEEL) will be the primary beneficiary.
- An annual scholarship scheme for top-performing students in the Departments of Petroleum Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, and Economics.
- The annual Diran Fawibe Lecture Series, which will address critical issues of national importance.
Prof. Olapegba also used the opportunity to seek IESL's further collaboration on internship placements, industrial training, and grant opportunities to strengthen the town-gown relationship.
Alumnus Cites UI Foundation as Motivation
In his remarks, Dr. Diran Fawibe attributed his professional success to the solid foundation he received at the University of Ibadan, where he himself benefited from scholarships. He described his time at UI as "beautiful periods in the history of education in Nigeria."
He stated that his desire to give back was directly motivated by the academic excellence and early career opportunities the university provided him. Dr. Fawibe introduced IESL as a leading indigenous energy services company founded in 1990, with over 200 engineers working across Africa.
He commended the UI management for proactively sustaining the institution's legacy and urged them to "keep the flag flying and maintain the tradition of excellence for which the University of Ibadan is known." Dr. Fawibe was accompanied by the Managing Director/CEO of IESL, Engr. Bayo Ige; the Manager, Legal Services/Company Secretary, Mrs. Adedayo Salami; and the Director of CPEEL, Prof. Olugbenga Falode.
This strategic engagement underscores the vital role alumni play as partners in development, a key focus of the UI@75 Ambassadorial Initiative. The donation is set to significantly enhance research capacity and support the next generation of experts in critical fields for Nigeria's economy.
