Emeritus Prof of Economics, Ajayi donates library to Dominican University
By Bankole Taiwo, Abeokuta
An emeritus Professor of Economics, Ibi Ajayi, has donated his well- stocked library to Dominican University, Samonda, Ibadan.
Prof Ibi Ajayi disclosed that the kind gesture was hinged on providing unhindered access to resources that could help students and scholars in the fledgling university expand their frontiers of knowledge especially in his chosen field of economic.
Ajayi said he believes that the donation of the library to the Catholic ivory tower would help in boosting human capital development which is the hallmark of a qualitative university education.
Receiving the gift of the library from Prof Ajayi at a ceremony held at the Tom and Carolyn Walker of the university, The Vice Chancellor, Rev, Fr. Prof. Anthony A. Akinwale lauded the university don for his rare magnanimity and readiness to always support cause of humanity.
Prof Akinwale said “indeed Prof Ibi Ajayi’s donation of his immensely rich library to the Dominican University is a gesture that clearly surpasses generosity. Prof Ajayi is a well known Economist who distinguished himself by placing his expertise at the service of the University of Ibadan, the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund, and the African Development Bank to mention a few.
“In the midst of his many commitments, he played a major role in the history of the Dominican University. He has been a dependably strong supporter of the University since its conception with his friend, Rev. Fr. Prof. Joseph Kenny of blessed memory and the formidable team of Professors from the University of Ibadan in planning and implementation committee once put together to work for the license of the Dominican University.
“And when it took quite a long time for the license to be granted by the federal government, he never withered in his commitment. In my many conversations with Rev. Fr Kenny before his transition from life to life, he expressed the desire to have Prof. Ajayi in the governing council of the University, I have no doubt that from the celestials sphere, father Kenny is watching this ceremony with contentment.
“Prof Ajayi’s drive for high quality University education, his wealth of experience as an academic, his priceless competence as a technocrat, his candour and sagacity have all been brought to bear on his membership of the governing council of this young University, indeed we are enriched to have someone like him.”
The Vice Chancellor disclosed further that the impact of the library is already beginning to bear fruits in the lives of student and beneficiaries of the university.
“This gift immortalises you, but we still owe you a gift, and the gift is for us to ensure that this gift you have given us is well kept and put to good use for the benefits of the academic community and the public,” Prof Akinwale said.
The Chancellor of the university, Rev. Fr. Modestus Ngwu in his brief remark also commended Prof Ajayi for his selflessness saying “knowledge is the greatest thing we celebrate today. Today we celebrate the donation of an Economic library by Prof. Ajayi.
“He has for years been part of the foundation of the University and he has given human resources, his time, his gifts and today he is donating his entire library. For us that is something very special and we shall remain eternally grateful.”
Also at the ceremony were the ArchBishop Emeritus of the Catholic Archdiocese of Ibadan, His Grace, Emeritus ArchBishop Felix Alaba Job and the Metropolitan Archbishop of Ecclesiastical Province, Archbishop Gabriel Abegunrin among others.
