Campus News

UNILORIN moves to boost resource base

…Inaugurates Advancement Board

The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN, has inaugurated the University Advancement Board with a mandate to strengthen the institution’s resource base through strategic resource mobilisation, partnerships, and endowments.

  The inauguration ceremony, held last Friday (January 10, 2025), at the University Auditorium was attended by Principal Officers, Council Members, the Committee of Provost and Deans, Directors of Centres and Units, Union Leaders, Alumni Association executives, Student Union leaders, and other stakeholders.

The Board is chaired by Dr. Abdulwahab A. Ibrahim, FCA, with Alhaji Bolaji Elelu and Mr. Abiodun Adediran Olatunji, SAN, serving as members. Statutory members of the Board include the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Management Services), who will serve as the Vice-Chancellor’s Representative and Alternate Chairman; the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Research, Technology and Innovation), the Bursar, the University Librarian, and the Registrar, who will serve as the Secretary of the Board. They will be joined by the University Internal Auditor, one member of Senate, one member of Congregation, one member of Convocation, and the Director of Advancement Centre.

In his address, the Vice Chancellor explained that the Board’s membership was selected based on values such as integrity, excellence, courage, and commitment, adding that the inclusion of alumni representatives, demonstrate the University’s confidence in its graduates’ capacity to contribute significantly to its advancement.

While reaffirming the University’s aspiration to “produce globally competitive graduates who are equipped to make meaningful impacts in their respective fields”, the Vice Chancellor said, “The University Advancement Board will be instrumental in helping us achieve this vision.”

           Prof. Egbewole pointed out that the establishment of the Board is particularly timely as the University prepares to celebrate its golden jubilee this year, saying, “This body represents a convergence of talent, expertise, and dedication, comprising leaders from the academia, industry, government, and other sectors.” He added that “the Advancement Board will serve as a bridge between the University and the broader society we are committed to serving”.

Listing its terms of reference, the Vice Chancellor said that the University Advancement Board would develop strategies to enhance the University’s Fundraising and Partnership Initiatives; identify and pursue opportunities to expand the University’s influence and impact; oversee and support fundraising campaigns, sponsorships, and other resource mobilisation efforts; and identify and cultivate relationships with potential donors, corporate sponsors, and philanthropic entities.

The Board was also mandated to foster strong relationships with alumni, community members, industry leaders, and other stakeholders; promote initiatives that build goodwill and strengthen stakeholder trust; monitor the effectiveness of advancement strategies and campaigns; and ensure alignment of advancement activities with the University’s vision, mission, values, and goals.

In his inaugural speech, the Chairman of the Advancement Board, Dr. Abdulwahab A. Ibrahim, expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to serve the University and pledged the Board’s unwavering commitment to advancing the institution.

Dr. Ibrahim assured stakeholders that the Board would focus its energy on fulfilling its mandate, assuring that those who placed their trust in the Board would have no cause for regret.

He said, “We are here to serve, and we will do nothing but serve”, pointing out that “this Board comprises individuals with the capacity to deliver on the terms of our appointment. These terms are designed to advance the course of the University, ensuring it continues to achieve its goals and becomes even better”.