UNILORIN, Sobi Military Cantonment seek stronger collaboration

The Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN, has expressed delight at the recent posting of Brig. Gen. Ezra Bawa Barkins as the 23rd Commandant of the 22 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Sobi Cantonment. Ilorin.

Prof. Egbewole, who stated this last Monday (April 7, 2025) while receiving Brig. Gen. Barkins in his office, also called for the exploration of fresh avenues for cooperation and collaboration between the University and the military formation. He noted that such efforts would further consolidate the longstanding cordial relationship that exists between the University of Ilorin and the Brigade.

The Vice Chancellor described the visit by the Commander as thoughtful and timely, adding that it was clearly aimed at deepening mutual understanding and partnership between the two institutions.

Prof. Egbewole acknowledged the cordial relationship that had existed between the University and the 22 Brigade over the years and stressed the importance of strengthening and expanding the bond.

As a demonstration of appreciation for the visit, the Vice Chancellor announced that the University would reciprocate by paying a return visit to the Brigade to further affirm its commitment to the partnership.

Prof. Egbewole expressed optimism that both institutions would continue to identify new areas of collaboration that would be beneficial to their operations, adding that institutions such as the University and the military need each other to improve their internal processes and systems.

While speaking on the establishment of a new Centre for Management and Leadership at the University, Prof. Egbewole pointed out that one of the major challenges facing Nigeria today is the issue of effective leadership, saying that the Centre was created as part of the institution’s response to this national concern. He expressed hope that officers from the 22 Brigade would take advantage of the Centre’s offerings by enrolling in its certificate programmes to enhance their professional skills and status.

Speaking earlier, the Commandant of the 22 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Brig. Gen. Ezra Bawa Barkins, said that the objective of the courtesy call was to seek stronger collaboration and enhanced synergy with the University of Ilorin.

Brig. Gen. Barkins acknowledged the existing cordial relationship between the Brigade and the University but stressed the need for deeper and more robust engagement. According to him, the current realities demand that institutions like the military and academia work more closely to achieve mutual goals and contribute meaningfully to national development.

He recalled his previous service at the Brigade as the Chief of Staff to the Commandant between 2018 and 2019, stating that his return to the state in a higher capacity offered a renewed opportunity to build on the foundation that had already been laid.

Brig. Gen. Barkins expressed appreciation for the longstanding cooperation between the University and the 22 Brigade, describing it as impactful. He noted that his visit was also to officially inform the University community of his return to Kwara State, this time as the Commandant of the Brigade, and to reaffirm his commitment to deepening institutional relations.

He appealed for the University’s continued understanding and cooperation, particularly in the area of sharing actionable intelligence that could support national security efforts. He stressed the importance of timely information sharing in addressing security challenges and fostering a safer environment for both academic and civilian communities.

The Vice Chancellor was joined to receive the military team by the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Management Services), Prof. Adegboyega Adisa Fawole; the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Research, Technology and Innovation), Prof. Muhtar Adeiza Etudaiye; the Bursar, represented by a Deputy Bursar, Mr Mohammed Jimoh Akanbi; the University Librarian, Prof. Kamaldeen Tunde Omopupa; and the Director of Works, Engr. Ramoni Kolawole Amoo.