By Tajudeen Babamale

The Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN, has encouraged the institution’s foreign students to represent UNILORIN positively in their respective countries and wherever they find themselves.

Prof. Egbewole made this appeal last Tuesday (July 9, 2024) during a familiarisation visit by students from the Linguistics Immersion Centre to his office.

The Vice Chancellor, who explained the importance of the students’ role as ambassadors of the University, assured them of his continued support and expressed a desire to welcome them back for their degree and postgraduate programmes. He also expressed hope that they would be able to convince other prospective admission seekers from their various countries to see the good work being done at the University of Ilorin.

While acknowledging the challenges faced by the students during their programme, the Professor of Jurisprudence and International Law said that the challenges faced by the students have played a crucial role in their personal and academic growth. He pointed out that overcoming these obstacles has not only enhanced their resilience but also equipped them with valuable problem-solving skills and adaptability.

Prof. Egbewole, however, encouraged the leadership of the Linguistics Immersion Centre to implement measures to prevent similar challenges in the future.

The Senior Advocate of Nigeria also reaffirmed the University’s commitment to its students, both current and alumni, noting their value to the institution. He expressed confidence in the Centre’s continued success and pledged the administration’s support to the Centre, adding that all demands to improve the programme would be considered. He also appreciated the Director and other facilitators of the Centre for their dedication and efforts in ensuring the programme’s progress.

Speaking earlier, the Director of the Linguistics Immersion Centre, Prof. Yusuf Lanre Badmus, expressed profound gratitude to the Vice Chancellor for revitalising the Centre, which had been inactive for some time. The Director observed that the Vice Chancellor’s visionary leadership and determination were key factors in the Centre’s resurgence.

Prof. Yusuf said the visit was intended to complement a previously sent memo, to showcase the significant number of international students currently enrolled in the programme of the Centre.

Looking ahead, the Director outlined plans to promote the University’s programmes further in Burkina Faso, Senegal, Mali, Chad, and other African countries to complement the students from Cameroon, Republic of Benin, Niger Republic, Togo and Côte d’Ivoire who are already enrolled in the Linguistics Immersion Centre’s programme.

Prof. Yusuf said the Centre has already received numerous admission requests from these countries, which indicate a growing interest in the University of Ilorin’s offerings.

In his remarks during the visit, one of the students from the Republic of Benin, Mr Osseni Olouwatoyin Mouyasir, expressed appreciation to the University of Ilorin’s management for the exceptional training, which the Linguistics Immersion Centre offers them.

While reflecting on the language training, Mouyasir noted that “many international students initially struggled to express themselves in Nigeria. However, thanks to the programme, we have all become bilingual, which showcases the University’s effective language education”. Another student from Cameroon, Miss Aken Comfort Api, expressed gratitude, on behalf of the international students, to the University management for its kindness since their arrival in Nigeria and appreciated the memorable invitation to celebrate Eid-l-Kabir, which made them feel warmly welcomed.