The University of Ibadan stakeholders forum organised by the University management which held on Tuesday, 7 June, 2016 was inconclusive as the date of resumption has not been announced.
Contrary to rumours in some circles that resumption date would be announced at the forum, the forum addressed other critical issues and matters in relation to recent events in the university.
The Forum provided an opportunity for participants to share ideas and proffer strategies to improve the state of the institution.
Issues that were discussed as presented by the Vice Chancellor includes: the parlous state of University infrastructure,
an overview of the income and expenditure of the University from 2011 to date, underfunding by government at the levels of personnel and overhead costs, and student matters leading up to the closure of the University on 27 April, 2016.
The Forum which was chaired by Professor Emeritus Ayo Banjo had stakeholders from different sectors in attendance. It was noted at the forum that government has consistently underfunded the University, however, that does not allow the federal universities to charge fees commensurate with the expenditure. Also, there is a communication gap between the students and the management
It was therefore resolved that government should step up its funding of the University; the university Management must explore new ways of generating additional funds, from Government and Internally Generated Revenue (IGR).
Also, critical stakeholders and parents are enjoined to consider making donations to the University following due process and management should consider the negotiation of upward review of fees with all stakeholders, including the Federal Government.
Other resolutions at the forum are:there should be a more pro-active dissemination of information about funding and expenditure; efforts should be made to ensure that areas of financial leakages are blocked by adopting the necessary checks and balances; parents and guardians should take more responsibility for the discipline of their wards; faculty and staff members should ensure that they are truly in loco parentis by engaging students one-on-one;Public Private Partnership (PPP) should be better pursued in establishing and managing infrastructure; the University Management should ensure periodic renovation of halls of residence.
However, a strong appeal was made to Senate to recall the students, while Management was encouraged to temper justice with mercy.
