Campus News

Defend your admissions, Egbewole charges new students

The Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN, has charged newly admitted students of the institution to work hard to defend their admission into the most sough-after University in Nigeria.

Prof. Egbewole gave this admonition at the University Auditorium last Tuesday (December 17, 2024) in his address, entitled “The End from the Beginning”, delivered during the Matriculation Ceremony for the new students.   

The Vice Chancellor, who told the new students to count themselves lucky, said that over 60,000 applicants jostled for admission to the University in the ongoing academic session, but only about 11,000 were successful. This, according to him, showcased the competitiveness of the institution.

He, therefore, told the lucky students to approach their academic journey with seriousness and determination.

Prof. Egbewole said, “As you may be aware, over 60,000 subscribed to this institution for this current session. With combined admission, a little above 11,000 were successful and admitted. This implies that it was a real competition and from every six applicants, only 1 is with the probability of being chosen. Your admission, to this extent, should, therefore, not be taken for granted or with levity. This success of yours should not be short-lived, you must do everything humanly possible to defend your current champion status otherwise the ending may be a story told”.

  Speaking on the deliberate plan by his Administration to create more opportunities for the students of the University, the Vice Chancellor said that his Administration had created programmes that will add value and enable students to graduate with skills beyond the degrees.

He said, “We have introduced U-INSPIRE programme for the purpose of developing entrepreneurship soft skills. The Centre for Innovation and Ideation is readily available to assist in incubating and nurturing your ideas and concepts up to gestation. Many of you who are into content or digital creation; you are in the right University where your dreams will be supported.

   “Our Technical and Entrepreneurship Centre currently has over 70 skills training programmes ranging from digital and local community based skills. The Centre’s talent hunt for this year is ongoing to showcase potentials and inherent skills of our students. I am pleased to inform you that you can take advantage of our Artificial Intelligence (AI) training and certification programme”.

On the plan to automate processes in the University, the renowned Senior Advocate of Nigeria said, “As I promised your colleagues last year, the full transformation agenda on digitalisation and full automation of our processes has begun. Your set will soon receive the smart multifunctional ID card that gives access to facilities and certain operations on our campus. We have put all these and more together for you to have a unique university life experience and suitable end. Do not come here to join the crowd but make your mark and be happy for the rest of your life”.

  Commenting on the University’s stance on misconduct, the Vice Chancellor told the new students that the University of Ilorin has zero tolerance for misconduct of any kind, saying that the only reward for examination malpractice is expulsion.

Prof. Egbewole said, “I urge you to familiarise yourself with the rules and regulations governing your stay on this campus as contained in the Students Information and Regulations Handbook. Our degrees are awarded subject to being worthy in character and learning thus, shun any form of social vices including but not limited to indecent dressing and relating or identifying with unregistered societies. Belonging to societies not registered or recognised is one of the surest ways to end your studentship here in an unceremonious manner.”

He urged the students to distinguish themselves during their time at the University and to embrace opportunities to build skills that will set them apart in the competitive global landscape.

While also encouraging all the matriculating students never to lower their standard regardless of circumstance, the Vice Chancellor told the students that when they lower their standard, it will still not change the perception and impression of them in the final analysis.

  He also told them that their loyalty to this University now and later should not be a subject of compromise. He encouraged them to think of the value they can add on daily basis and importantly, be professional and master of the game. He said, “This University is known for raising giants whose exploits in various spheres of life are undeniable. They came, they saw and conquered. Their stories started like today but ended in praises and achievements because they took decisions that did not appear to be popular; their decisions to become the very best in all they do were not applauded and determination in the face of obvious discouragements and distractions produced the giants in them as ambassadors of our great University”.

Prof. Egbewole, however, urged the students to see the end in an uncommon manner of becoming the very best and the University’s ambassador of unstained banners.

While wishing the students a very rewarding stay on campus, the Vice Chancellor said that he looked forward to celebrating with them and their families at the graduation.