Central General Studies Celebrates 40th Anniversary at University of Ibadan

The Central General Studies (CGS), University of Ibadan, celebrated its 40th anniversary on Wednesday, September 30, 2026, at the Digital Park, University of Ibadan.

The celebration, which began at 11:00 a.m., opened with the singing of the National Anthem and the University of Ibadan Anthem and ended at about 2:00 p.m.

The Director of the Central General Studies, Professor Fatai Adeniyi, delivered an address highlighting the achievements of the Centre, as well as some of the challenges it currently faces.

In his address, Professor Adeniyi noted that the Centre handles General Studies courses for about 40,000 students in each academic session. He explained that the large number of students has contributed to challenges, particularly with the processing and release of students’ results, as well as network-related difficulties.

He also identified inadequate staffing as one of the challenges facing the Centre and proposed solutions, including the need for additional staff and other resources to improve the efficiency of its operations.

Speaking at the event, the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, Professor Kayode O. Adebowale, reflected on the importance of history. He stated that a person who does not know history is like a leaf that does not know its roots.

The Vice-Chancellor also described himself as a lover of history and a historian while responding to the Director’s address. He further noted that he was a man of few words and delivered his speech in about ten minutes.

The anniversary also provided an opportunity to highlight some of the developments recorded by the Centre in recent times. These include the renovation of its boardroom and the acquisition of new equipment, including a printer and solar-powered equipment.

According to the Centre, the installation of the solar equipment has helped reduce its dependence on diesel. It was noted that since last year, diesel had only been used occasionally to warm up the machine.

As part of the celebration, outstanding students who excelled in the General Studies courses were also recognised and awarded. The students, drawn from different departments and faculties of the University, recorded scores of at least 80 percent.

The event was attended by Deans from various faculties, Heads and coordinators involved in the General Studies courses, past Directors of the Centre, the Students’ Union President of the University of Ibadan, and other members of the University community.

The celebration also featured the cutting of the anniversary cake, which was subsequently shared among guests and participants.

The 40th anniversary celebration ended with the singing of the National Anthem and the University of Ibadan Anthem, marking a memorable occasion for the Central General Studies as it reflected on its four decades of service and looked forward to further development.