Campus News

Faculty of Physical Sciences donates borehole to University community

By Bashirat Omotosho

The Faculty of Physical Sciences, University of Ilorin, has donated a fully functional borehole to the University at a brief ceremony last Tuesday (April 29, 2025) that drew commendations from students, staff, and the University Management.

Speaking at the event, which took place at the Faculty premises, the Dean of the Faculty, Prof. Abdullahi Alafara Baba, said that the donation was borne out of the Faculty’s commitment to improving the welfare of students and contributing to the overall development of the University.

“Our Faculty believes that access to clean water is not a privilege, but a necessity,” Professor Alafara said, adding, “We observed the challenges our students and staff face in accessing potable water, especially during dry seasons. This borehole is our modest contribution towards solving that problem and enhancing a conducive learning and working environment.”

               Prof. Alafara noted that the funding for the project was gotten from donations from Senator Saliu Mustapha, who is an alumnus of the Faculty, during the maiden edition of the International Conference of the Faculty. He noted further that the sum of #6,357,899.38 was approved by the University Management to support the project.

               The Dean also acknowledged the support of the University Management and members of the Faculty Board for their contributions towards making the project a reality.

               He said, “We are grateful to the Vice Chancellor for his unwavering support and keeping to his promises of supporting laudable projects and to our colleagues who saw the importance of this initiative. This is a project funded and owned by all of us.”

               In his own remarks, the Chairman of the Borehole Implementation Committee, Prof. Saminu Olatunji, described the process of executing the project as rigorous but rewarding. He explained that the committee ensured that due diligence was followed in selecting a reliable contractor and ensuring that the borehole met the required technical standards.

               “It was a collective effort, and we worked tirelessly to ensure that quality was not compromised at any stage,” Prof. Olatunji said, adding, “We conducted thorough site assessments, monitored drilling progress closely, and made sure the borehole was fitted with durable components that will stand the test of time.”

               Prof. Olatunji also noted that the water generated from the borehole can serve Blocks 1 to 10 axis of the University, adding that the borehole is 160 meters in depth.

               Another member of the committee, Prof. Haleemat Adegoke, emphasised the importance of maintaining the facility properly so that it continues to serve its purpose for years to come. She urged users of the borehole to treat it as a shared asset that requires collective responsibility.

               “Water infrastructure, no matter how well-built, can deteriorate quickly without proper maintenance,” Prof. Adegoke noted, adding that, “We have recommended a simple maintenance schedule and hope that everyone in the Faculty, especially students, will play their part in keeping the borehole clean and functional.”

               A representative of the student body, Mr Yusuf Abdulraheem, a 400-level Geophysics student, expressed gratitude on behalf of the students. He said, “We are sincerely thankful to the Faculty of Physical Sciences for this kind and thoughtful gesture”, pointing out that “access to clean water will not only improve our hygiene but also make our day-to-day activities on campus easier. It is a great relief.”

Also speaking, the Faculty Officer, Mrs Modupe Adekanmi, described the project as a timely intervention that would ease the pressure on existing water facilities in the Faculty and its surroundings.

Among those that witnessed the event were the Head of the Department of Mathematics, Prof. A. S. Idowu; the Ag Head of the Department of Geology and Mineral Sciences, Dr M. A Yusuf; the Sub-Dean of the Faculty, Dr Omolayo Omorinoye, the Secretary to the Dean, Mrs Deborah Bamidele, and the Faculty Accountant, Mr Chukwuemeka Emelogu, among others.