Quality education critical to personal development, societal growth – Afolabi

For a nation to grow socio-economically, there is a need for its populace to have quality education, Taiwo Afolabi, chairman of SIFAX Group, has said.

According to him, it is for this reason that companies such as SIFAX Group see investment in education as a key pillar of its social interventions.

Afolabi, who was newly appointed first chancellor of the Gerar University of Medical Sciences, Imope-Ijebu in Ogun State, said one of the importance of education to any society is that it not only liberates the mind but also positions individuals for personal advancement.

Speaking during his maiden visit to Gerar University of Medical Sciences, Afolabi commended the institution for the quality of infrastructure at the institution’s campus.

He expressed his delight that the university, which will welcome its pioneer students in the next few weeks has built an impressive infrastructure and equipment that would aid a smooth commencement of academic activities at the permanent site.

Afolabi said he accepted to be the Chancellor of the university to contribute his quota towards the realisation of the lofty vision of this citadel of learning.

“I have gone round the campus. This is impressive because few universities start their journey on their permanent sites. The infrastructural provision, facilities and modern equipment on the ground are more than good enough for a university just opening its doors,” he said.

He commended the founder and management of the University for the good job done so far.

Niran Adetoro, vice chancellor of the university, disclosed that the National Universities Commission (NUC) had approved all the nine take-off programmes of the university.

According to him, the programmes are Nursing Science, Optometry, Medical Laboratory Science, Physiology, Physiotherapy, Radiology and Radiation Science, Anatomy, Human Nutrition and Dietetics and Pharmacology.

Meanwhile, in fulfilment of his promise, Afolabi donated a brand-new bus to the university.

While presenting the bus, Olumuyiwa Akande, group head of Corporate Communications, SIFAX Group, who represented Taiwo Afolabi, said the bus was donated to aid the movement of staff, as academic activities will commence in the next few weeks.

Receiving the bus, Adetoro, vice chancellor of the university, lauded Afolabi for the kind gesture, promising that it would be put to good use.