Campus News

UNILORIN set for next level – Egbewole

The Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN, has said that the Management of the University is working hard to ensure the actualisation of the Strategic Plan of the institution to take it to the next level.

Prof. Egbewole, who is also the Secretary-General of the Association of West African Universities (AWAU), stated this last Monday (January 13, 2025) while speaking with newsmen at the University Auditorium Basement, shortly after unveiling the University’s 50th Anniversary logo.

The Vice Chancellor explained that the 2024 to 2028 Strategic Plan is a work in progress towards placing the University on the right pedestal as well as enabling it to achieve its vision of becoming the first in Nigeria, one of the best ten in Africa and among the leading 500 at global level.

Prof. Egbewole, who is equally the Chairman of the Consortium of Kwara Universities (KU8+), said that the University is determined to push its research endeavours, infrastructural facilities and good community engagement to the next level in the new year and beyond.

The Vice Chancellor pointed out that 2025 is a very significant year for the University, saying that the Institution is determined to achieve its tall dreams and put it in global limelight.

While thanking the media for their generous support to the University, Prof. Egbewole said that he had no regret whatsoever in becoming and serving as the 11th Vice Chancellor of the University.

He expressed satisfaction that the University is witnessing a lot of positive changes under his watch as he explained that leadership entails facing and addressing challenges as they unfold.

Responding to a question, the Vice Chancellor said that the University is always prepared to face global health challenges.

To underscore that, Prof. Egbewole explained that a member of the academic staff of the University has been appointed into a committee put together by the Federal Government to fight the unfolding health challenge.

On the upcoming 50th Anniversary of the University, the Vice Chancellor said that the University is leaving no stone unturned towards celebrating the milestone.

He assured his audience that some projects, particularly an innovation hub worth N50 billion, that would speak to the excellent service delivery of the University would be inaugurated..

He enjoined the alumni of the University to be part of the celebration as he said that 50 distinguished alumni of the University including world class scholars would be unveiled during the golden jubilee in recognition of their contributions to national and human development.

Prof. Egbewole expressed joy over the achievements recorded by the University in the last 50 years and particularly since he took over its leadership in 2022.

While acknowledging that 2024 was a very challenging year for the University like many other institutions and individuals, the Vice Chancellor noted that the University is working hard to put behind its challenges and work towards producing graduates that are first class employers of labour and not job seekers.

Speaking on the challenges facing the University Alumni Association, the Vice Chancellor urged members of the Association to work together in order to support the Institution towards achieving greater development.

As the Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof. Egbewole described himself as a father to everyone that graduated from the University.

He explained that his Administration has done and would continue to do everything possible to promote unity and understanding among members of the Association for it to achieve its essence.

He appealed to the former leader of the Association, to work with the new Leadership chaired by  Prof. AbdulRazaq Kilani, for the peace and progress of the University, pointing out that the real essence of the Alumni Association is to contribute to the development of the Institution.

On the National Education Loans Fund (NELFUND), the Vice Chancellor said that no fewer than 10,789 students of the University had benefited from the Federal Government intervention since its inauguration.

He expressed conviction that more students of the University would benefit from the scheme in order to grant them the privilege of acquiring education with little or no stress.

The Vice Chancellor also assured members of the immediate host communities of the University that they would benefit more from its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) scheme in order for them to feel more impacts of the University.

In his remarks, the Chairman, University of Ilorin 50th Anniversary Committee, Prof. Olugbenga Mokuolu, said that the logo of the anniversary speaks more to the aspirations of the University.

Prof. Mokuolu, who rolled out some of the events that would be staged to mark the milestone, appealed to the press to support the University towards organising a befitting celebration.

The press briefing was attended by Principal Officers of the University and members of the 50th Anniversary Celebration Committee.