Campus News

Unilorites express delight on upcoming 50th anniversary

As the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the nation’s most sought-after University, the University of Ilorin, draws nearer, a cross-section of staff and students of the University have expressed their eagerness to be part of all the events lined up for the celebrations, the grand finale of which comes up in November.

This general feeling of anxious anticipation was gathered by a UNILORIN Bulletin reporter who went round the campus last Monday (April 7, 2025) to gauge the level of preparedness of members of the University community for the golden jubilee anniversary.

The Dean of the Faculty of Education, Prof. Lasiele Alabi Yahaya, said that the milestone was worthy of being celebrated.

The Professor of Counsellor Education explained that 50 years in the life of an institution like the University of Ilorin is a big deal, particularly considering the achievements of the University and its products that are scattered across the world.

Prof. Yahaya, who described himself as a total alumnus of the University, said that he, like many others, is looking forward to the celebration.

He expressed conviction that the anniversary would not only celebrate the achievements of the University but also its uniqueness and pave the way for its future.

On his part, an Associate Professor at the Department of Chemical Engineering, Dr George Adeniyi, described the upcoming anniversary as worthwhile.

Dr Adeniyi, who is a one-time University of Ilorin Researcher of the Year, said that apart from his readiness to attend all the programmes scheduled for the anniversary, he is also working on a piece titled “Proofs and potentials of UNILORIN Research and Development” to mark the milestone.

In her comment, a Deputy Registrar in the University, Mrs Beatrice Ishola, said that the golden age of the University deserves to be vigorously marked not just by its alumni who are carrying its certificates around the world but also by staff and students of the University.

Mrs Ishola, who is currently on sabbatical leave at Al-Hikmah University, Ilorin, encouraged all the staff of the University as well as those who have retired from the services of the University to troop out in large numbers to celebrate the University.

Also speaking, Mrs Mary Olabisi Kolawole, who heads the Marketing Unit of UNILORIN 89.3 FM, also expressed her happiness that the University Administration is leaving no stone unturned at marking the golden jubilee of the University.

She said that the University radio station has started the airing of the anniversary promotional jingles as she said that more members of the public are getting informed that the University would celebrate its 50 years of services to humanity.

Mrs Kolawole expressed hope that the period would be a money-making one for the radio station, as a special programme is being designed for interested alumni, staff, students and other friends of the University to celebrate the University and their colleagues with a token.

A student of the Department of Mass Communication, Miss Chinaza Ugochukwu, said that she got the awareness about the anniversary celebration from one of her roommates.

She said that from all she has gathered the anniversary celebration would be quite loud, amazing and memorable.

Miss Ugochukwu encouraged the anniversary planning committee to increase the tempo of publicity for the programme, saying that she expected all the Faculties, Departments and hostels to be adorned with the anniversary logo and posters for all students to be carried along in the preparation.

Also commenting, a student of the Faculty of Law, Mr AbdulRazaq Folorunso, expressed happiness that the anniversary is to be celebrated while he is still a student of the University.

Mr Folorunso, who asked that a specific event be dedicated to students of the University, said that he is optimistic that the celebration would further promote the alluring image of the University.

Miss Zinat Lawal of the Department of Physiotherapy, College of Health Sciences, also said that she was aware that the celebration would come up later in the year.

Miss Lawal advised that the series of events arranged for the celebrations should be learner-friendly and should be designed in such a way that would not obstruct teaching and learning.