The CEO of Education Advancement Support Services Limited (EASS), Mr Tunde Ijiyemi, has presented a proposal to the University of Ilorin Advancement Faculty Desk Officers, outlining a plan to unite alumni through a technology driven fundraising platform. The initiative aims at helping the institution solicit financial support from its graduates worldwide.
Mr Ijiyemi made the presentation last Monday (January 3, 2025) at the Advancement Centre Boardroom, University of Ilorin.
Speaking with UNILORIN Bulletin, the EASS CEO pointed out that the Federal Government alone cannot meet all the financial needs of the University.
He stressed the importance of engaging alumni as a means of securing additional funding, particularly those who have achieved success in various fields, globally.
According to him, “Many of our alumni are abroad and doing well. This initiative will help reconnect them with their alma mater and encourage their contributions.”
He assured the stakeholders that with adequate information from the University, EASS could effectively bring the University alumni back into the fold.
Mr Ijiyemi highlighted the global nature of alumni driven fundraising, stating that EASS leverages alumni networks to raise funds using technology, adding that the platform would not only engage alumni but also attract donations from friends and organisations that support the institution.
He said, “Our goal is to help UNILORIN maximise the potential of its alumni network in the 21st century”, pointing out that “the University will also have a system in place to monitor donations from all over the world.”
The Director of the Center for Advancement, University of Ilorin, Prof. W.B. Yahya, welcomed the proposal, noting that it aligns with the University’s plans for its 50th anniversary celebrations.
Prof. Yahya revealed that the Advancement Centre had already created a Google form to compile the data on all Unilorin alumni.
The Director assured that EASS would have access to the University alumni database to facilitate its work.
He emphasised the importance of collaboration among the Advancement Centre, the ICT Unit of the University (COMSIT), and EASS to ensure the success of the project.
Prof. Yahya said, “As the Centre for Advancement, we must also ensure that our alumni information remains confidential and is not exposed to third parties.”
He said that the partnership between UNILORIN and EASS marks a strategic move towards leveraging technology for alumni engagement and fundraising, positioning the institution for greater financial sustainability in the years ahead.
Among those who attended the meeting were Prof. A.K. Musa of the Faculty of Agriculture, Prof. T.K. Ajiboye of the Faculty of Engineering, Prof. T.A. Olaniyi of the Faculty of Management Sciences, Dr Fatimah .E. Usman of the Faculty of Communication and Information Sciences, Dr A.O. Balogun of the Faculty of Education, Dr S.Z. AbdulBaqi of the Faculty of Social Sciences, Dr A.A. Lateef of the Faculty of Life Sciences, and Dr Oluwatosin .B. Igbayiloye of the Faculty of Law.
