A former Bursar at the University of Lagos (UNILAG), Dr. Gilbert Deinde Ifarajimi, FCA has underscored the need for members of staff in the Bursary department to key into the vision of the University, and embrace technology/automation to enhance efficiency and transparency in financial operations.
This statement formed the crux of Dr. Ifarajimi’s presentation at the Public Lecture/Award Event held on Thursday, October 26, 2023, as part of activities to mark the Maiden Bursary Day Celebration of UNILAG.
The event which was held under the Chairmanship of Professor Duro Oni at the Rahman A. Bello Hall, UNILAG, Akoka, had the theme: The Bursary in a Future Ready University. It had in attendance members of the University management including the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Folasade T. Ogunsola, OON, FAS , Deputy Vice-Chancellors, Prof. Ayodele V. Atsenuwa (Development Services) Prof. Bolanle Oboh (Academics and Research) and Prof. Lucian O. Chukwu (Management Services); Acting Registrar, Mrs. Olakunle E. Makinde as well as the University Librarian, Pro. Yetunde Zaid.
While stressing the importance of strategic financial planning and resource allocation to support the university’s goals and objectives, Dr. Ifarajimi began his lecture by providing an overview of the historical context of bursaries and their traditional role in supporting students’ educational pursuits.
The esteemed financial practitioner highlighted emerging trends and best practices in bursary administration. He also emphasized the significance of collaboration among universities, government agencies, and private organizations in creating sustainable bursary programs.
Drawing from his extensive research and experience, Dr. Ifarajimi delved into key factors that make a university “future ready” in terms of bursary management. He accentuated the importance of leveraging technology to streamline administrative processes, enhance transparency, and improve access to financial aid resources. According to him, universities must adopt data-driven approaches to identify students’ financial needs accurately and allocate resources effectively.
His words, “The Bursary Department in a Future Ready University plays the vital role of coordination of financial activities. It represents a center point where all activities revolve. It is, therefore, proper to submit that the core mandate of the bursary department is to be in charge of all financial activities of the University. You will agree with me that there is hardly any activity in the University that has no financial implication”.
The two-time Bursar at the Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye, and University of Lagos, Akoka used the opportunity provided by the event to laud the selfless inputs of people who have contributed to the growth and development of the Bursary, and his successors in office whom he described as credible leaders.
In her remarks, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Folasade T. Ogunsola, amidst excitement and cheers from the audience, acknowledged the diligence of the Bursary department in its operations especially in generating, managing and allocating financial resources which has kept the institution off the list of anti-graft agencies.
Similarly, the UNILAG Bursar, Mrs. Oluwafunlola Yetunde Adekunle expressed delight at the enormous support she has enjoyed since her assumption of office as the 11th Bursar. She averred that the UNILAG Bursary Day was initiated to provide an avenue for Bursary staff to unwind and learn as a team. She expressed optimism that the event would be held annually.
There were also goodwill messages by dignitaries present at the occasion including the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Development Services), Professor Ayodele Atsenuwa; Director, HRDC, Dr. Lateef Odekunle, and Director, Distance Learning Institute, Professor Riskat Dauda.
Chairman of the occasion, Professor Duro Oni described the presentation as an excellent delivery which showed Dr. Ifarajimi’s expertise and comprehensive understanding of educational finance and administration. He added that the lecture provided valuable insights into the evolving role of bursaries in higher education institutions.
The former Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Management Services) led the presentation of Awards of Commendation to three staff of the Bursary department in recognition of their meritorious service and commitment to the university. They are Mr. Bamiteko Olaolu Ezekiel; Mr. Akinola Omojola Sylvester and Mr. Anele Christopher.
Bursary staff who took part in games such as Table Tennis (Male and female category), Ludo Games, and Ayo Olopon during the Bursary Games and Sports Day (Please click: https://unilag.edu.ng/?p=28559) for details) held on Wednesday, October 25, 2023, were also decorated with medals.
Earlier in the day, Bursary staff led by the Bursar, Mrs. Oluwafunlola Yetunde Adekunle, and Bursary Day Local Organising Committee (LOC) members had held an Awareness Walk around the University.
