Egbewole tasks new professors on mentoring, prompt Inaugural Lecture delivery

The Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN, has charged newly promoted professors of the institution to take up their roles as mentors and leaders to junior academics in their respective Departments, urging them to replicate themselves in the young lecturers.

Prof. Egbewole, who stated this last Monday (February 17, 2025) during a meeting with the newly promoted professors, said that the meeting was in line with the long-standing tradition of the University.

He said that the tradition had been discontinued in the past but was revived in 2022 to foster closer interaction and set clear expectations for the new professors.

The Vice Chancellor stated that one of the key expectations from the newly promoted professors is the delivery of Inaugural Lectures, which are expected to take place at least 12 months after their promotion.

He explained that Inaugural Lectures are platforms for professors to share insights into their research journeys and outline their future academic contributions.

According to the Vice Chancellor, “Inaugural Lectures are not just ceremonial. They are opportunities to showcase the work that earned you this position and state the areas you intend to explore further. Many Inaugural Lectures have identified new frontiers of knowledge, and we hope yours will do the same.”

Prof. Egbewole also urged the new professors to increase their involvement in community service, and use their research findings to make impactful contributions to the University and the society at large.

He told the new professors, “Your community service should increase now because, after all the research you have done, you are supposed to make an impact on the system, and this is the time to actually show that impact”.

The Vice Chancellor further said, “Impact means you are supposed to be mentors to junior academics, providing leadership for them. Providing leadership means being available. Availability means physical presence and consciously identifying individuals within your departments or areas of study whom you will mentor and replicate yourself in. Leadership includes attending departmental, Faculty, and Senate meetings, and all other important programmes. If you, as leaders, are not available, how will you encourage the young ones to be present?”

Prof. Egbewole also encouraged the new professors to align their research focus with the overarching themes of the University, particularly its 2025 focus on Sustainable Development Goals.

He told them, “Identify your own area of study within the research focus that the University has identified. For instance, in 2025, we are focusing on Sustainable Development, which is why special Senate research and special intervention are focused on the SDGs.”

Responding on behalf of other newly promoted professors, the University Librarian, Prof. Kamaldeen Tunde Omopupa, expressed gratitude to the Vice Chancellor and the University Council for their recognition, trust and for approving their promotions to the professorial cadre.

Prof. Omopupa described the promotion as more than just a title, calling it “a call to service” and an opportunity to give their best to the University.

The University Librarian assured the Vice Chancellor that the newly promoted professors are fully committed to fulfilling all administrative expectations that come with their new roles.

Among those that joined the Vice Chancellor during the meeting were the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic), Prof. Moji Taibat Bakare-Odunola; the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Research, Technology and Innovation), Prof. Muhtar Adeiza Etudaiye; the Registrar, Mr Mansur Alfanla; and the Bursar, represented by a Deputy Bursar, Mr Akanbi Jimoh.