RECENT RANKING REFLECTS OUR TRUE POSITION -UI VC

University of Ibadan (UI) Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Isaac Folorunso Adewole, has described the recent second half of the year 2011 World Universities Web Ranking, which put UI as the best university in the country as the true reflection of the Nigerian premier university's position.

The ranking, which was released on July 6, 2011 by www.41cu.org, one of the ranking bodies, rated UI as the best university in the country, followed by University of Ilorin, Obafemi Awolowo, Ile-Ife, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria and University of Jos.

The UI VC, in his reaction, said the recent ranking had just truly reflected the prestigious position of UI among other universities in the country, adding that 'there is no controversy about it that UI is the best, not only in the country but one of the best in the African continent and the world at large.'

'The problem in the past was that UI became too complacent; we felt nobody was competing with us, thereby becoming lethargic in projecting our profile and achievements. Many of our great professors, who had done earth-breaking research work did not see the need to put their work on the website for the world to see, whereas, those who are ranking base their judgment on what they could see on the website,' he noted.

But now, Prof. Adewole boasted that the university had decided to take its rightful position, disclosing that the university had become more active on the website than ever before 'because no university in this country can compete with UI in terms of quality education and quality manpower.'

According to Prof. Adewole, 'UI produced 40 per cent of all the vice-chancellors in this country. Our annual PhD output in UI is the highest in Africa. We have over 300 professors, how many universities in this country can lay claim to all these? How then is anyone doubting our primus inters pares position in this country?'

He promised that UI would not relent in packaging its profile, saying he had directed every teaching staff member to maintain enviable presence on the website by putting all their scholarly work there, adding 'anyone, who is not on the website, is not our staff.'

His words: 'This time around, we are not going to take anything for granted as we used to do in the past. I have set up a committee on our website. The committee is going to come up with recommendations towards maintaining an active website. I also know that UI is terribly under reported, very soon, we are going to take a radical step that will showcase us to the world.'

Prof. Adewole, who restated his earlier promise to take UI to greater height said the institution was a national heritage that all Nigerians must feel proud of as it was doubtful if the country could ever build another UI.

'We will put in our best to maintain and sustain the good tradition of academic excellence that UI is known for. We will ensure that everyone that passes through UI is distinguished by the culture of hard work, diligence, discipline and academic erudition. Above all, we shall ensure that UI products are separated from the crowd by moral rectitude because part of our mission is to serve as a dynamic custodian of society's salutary values, thus sustaining its integrity,' Prof. Adewole stated.