The Vice Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, Professor Kayode O. Adebowale, has reaffirmed the institution’s dedication to maintaining and enhancing its strategic partnership with the Pan African University Life and Earth Sciences Institute (including Health and Agriculture), PAULESI.
He made this declaration during a courtesy visit to his office by the newly appointed Director of PAULESI, Professor Mubo Sonibare. While congratulating her on her emergence as director after what he described as a rigorous and extended selection process, the VC commended her for respecting official protocols by visiting the university leadership.
Professor Adebowale emphasized that PAULESI is a flagship initiative of the African Union Commission (AUC), established to promote science and technology development across the continent through education. He highlighted the University of Ibadan’s active role in hosting PAULESI in West Africa—one of the five such institutes across Africa—after a competitive selection process.
The Vice Chancellor assured that the university has consistently supported PAULESI in advancing the AUC’s vision and pledged that UI would continue to provide institutional backing. With a substantive director now in place, he expressed confidence that the institute is poised to achieve new milestones. He also acknowledged the challenges faced by PAULESI and gave assurances of UI’s commitment to improving infrastructure, expanding physical facilities, and creating a better environment for international students.
He urged Professor Sonibare to lead with integrity and dedication, stressing that her role comes with great responsibility and expectations both from the University and the African continent.
In her remarks, Professor Mubo Sonibare, a Professor of Pharmacognosy from the Faculty of Pharmacy, explained that her visit aimed to deepen collaboration between PAULESI and the University of Ibadan. She reiterated that PAULESI is part of a continent-wide effort by the African Union, with sister institutes in Central, South, East, and North Africa.
Professor Sonibare stated that PAULESI was founded to empower Africans to develop indigenous solutions to the continent’s problems, reducing reliance on external support. She noted that the institute has significantly contributed to UI’s global and local reputation, especially by increasing international student enrollment. She expressed optimism that the strong relationship between UI and PAULESI would continue to thrive, ensuring the vision of the institute’s founders is fully realized.
