The Great Ife Alumni Association chapter in The Gambia on 30 December 2011 held a press conference at its office on Kombo Sillah Drive in Tallinding.
The press briefing was attended by alumni members from all walks of life, who in one way or the other passed through the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University), their lecturers and members of the press.
The press briefing was attended by alumni members from all walks of life, who in one way or the other passed through the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University), their lecturers and members of the press.
In his statement, Tope Mustapha Adeyemi, the protem chairman, said the meeting was necessitated not for absolute intellectual discourse per se as suggested by the theme chosen, but to introduce formally and officially the great Ife Alumni Association the Gambia chapter in cognizance of the embraced concepts of learning, culture and service of their alma-mater - Obafemi Awolowo University, IIe-Ife, Nigeria.
He added that the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University) was established as a “protest university” by the regional government of Nigeria in 1962.
He added: “The protest was against the failure of the Ashby Commission set by the colonial powers to recommend a regional university for western Nigeria prior to independence and despite the matchless resources and the unequalled number of university eligible post-secondary students in the region.”
The protest spirit was translated into the determination and actualization of a university characterised by magnificent architectural and horticultural splendour coupled with rigorous academic standards, he said, adding that learning and culture came by great Ife (Obafemi Awolowo University).
He further stated that IIe-Ife, which literally means “home of all men”, is regarded in Yoruba mythology to be the site of divine creation. Ife is noted for arts, carvings, and rituals to its pantheon of gods and, most importantly however, it is world famous for its naturalistic bronze heads and other metallurgical wonders.
Mr Adeyemi went further to say that the idea of the great Ife Alumni in The Gambia was discussed at a social engagement some two years back among few great Ifes (as they are fondly called).
The birth of it came in the last quarter of this year having been legally recognised, he added, saying the main vision of the Gambia chapter is to maintain the global network of the great alumni that would generate tremendous benefits through synergy, for their alma-mater, their country Nigeria and in particular The Gambia.
He also said the news of the creation of the great Ife Alumni Association Gambia chapter was received with trailblazing joy by the parent headquarters and the university administration back home in Nigeria.
Adeyemi said they have received congratulatory messages from Nigeria, USA, and the UK, who have been coming in, with their preparedness of storming The Gambia in April 2012 to witness the inauguration of the body.
He said their upcoming activities will be to collaborate with interesting stakeholders in areas of general youth and educational development and service to humanity and they would also render service to some of their members in the process of obtaining their academic transcripts from the university.
He concluded by thanking the President of The Gambia for creating a politically conducive atmosphere for all.
