Campus News

Level Advisers crucial to students’ success – Egbewole

The Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof Wahab Olasupo Egbewole (SAN), has said that Level Advisers are the backbone of student guidance, saying that “their ability to uphold ethical standards and provide informed academic support directly influences our students’ success and the reputation of our institution.”

Prof. Egbewole stated this last Thursday (March 20, 2025) while declaring open a training programme for Level Advisers organised by the Centre for Research, Development, and In-House Training (CREDIT) at the University Auditorium.

Represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic), Prof Moji Taibat Bakare-Odunola, the Vice Chancellor emphasised the crucial role of Level Advisers in shaping students’ academic and professional success.

Prof. Egbewole praised the training initiative as a step toward strengthening the University culture of academic integrity and mentorship.

The Vice Chancellor urged the participants to use the knowledge gained at the workshop to improve student support services.

In his welcome address, the Director of CREDIT, Prof Abdulkarim Oloyede, who joined via Zoom, said, “At the University of Ilorin, we recognise that Level Advisers play a crucial role in shaping students’ academic journeys, and this training is designed to equip you with the ethical and professional skills needed to guide them effectively.”

Prof. Oloyede explained that with the esteemed facilitators from COMSIT, the Quality Assurance Bureau, the Guidance and Counselling Unit, and other key units, the Centre was confident that the sessions would provide valuable insights into ethical advising, student engagement, and academic mentorship.

The Keynote Speaker, Prof Olaitan Olukunmi from the Department of Health Promotion and Environmental Health Education, discussed the roles and responsibilities of Level Advisers. He said that Level Advisers assist students in course selection, academic planning, and understanding University policies to ensure they stay on track for graduation.

He added that they help students monitor their progress by tracking students’ academic performance, identify those at risk of poor performance, and provide necessary support or referrals to the Counselling Unit.

The Director of Guidance and Counselling Unit, Prof Bolu-Steve, in her presentation, explained that Level Advisers help in mentorship and career advice.

She maintained that advisers serve as mentors, offering guidance on career paths, internship opportunities, and further academic pursuits based on students’ strengths and interests.

Dr Bolu-Steve reiterated that they also assist in ethical and professional support because they uphold academic integrity by educating students on University regulations, ethical conduct, and responsible behaviour in their academic journey.

The Director of COMSIT, Prof. Rasheed Jimoh, in his presentation, explained how Level Advisers can work smart using the available internet facilities in the University. He noted that Level Advisers serve as liaison between students and the University where Level Advisers act as a bridge between students and the Administration, addressing student concerns, advocating for their needs, and facilitating smooth communication within the university system.

The Deputy Director of Quality Assurance Bureau, Mrs Balkis Giwa, highlighted the importance of maintaining integrity, fairness, and professionalism in guiding students through their academic journey.

Among those that attended the programme opening ceremony were the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Management Services), Prof Adegboyega Adisa Fawole; the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Research, Technology and Innovation), Prof. Muhtar Adeiza Etudaiye; the Director of the Centre for Peace and Strategic Studies, Prof Ibrahim Jawondo; and the Dean, Faculty of Agriculture, Prof Yemisi Fawole.