The Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN, has advised candidates seeking admission into the Institution through the School of Preliminary Studies to adhere strictly to the University’s established rules and regulations.
Prof. Egbewole gave this charge last Wednesday (February 5, 2025) in his address at the 2024/2025 Orientation Programme organised by the School of Preliminary Studies, University of Ilorin for its new students. The programme held at the School premises in Fufu.
The Vice Chancellor, who was represented at the event by the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic), Prof. Moji Taibat Bakare-Odunola, urged the students to be disciplined, manage their time effectively, and responsibly conduct their activities.
He also urged them to stay focused on their academic goals, stating that, “once there are rules, there will be consequences for your actions. You must abide by the University’s regulations to ensure smooth academic journey”.
While reminding the students that there is time for everything, and that this period should be dedicated to learning and personal growth, the Vice Chancellor cautioned them against distractions that could derail their academic pursuits.
Prof. Egbewole also warned the students against engaging in social vices, noting that Ilorin is a relatively peaceful community that upholds moral and ethical values.
He urged the students to conduct themselves responsibly, avoid staying out late, and prioritise their safety.
In his goodwill message, the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Research, Technology and Innovation), Prof. Muhtar Adeiza Etudaiye, who affirmed the University’s commitment to admitting students from the School of Preliminary Studies into its undergraduate programmes, stated that admission is strictly based on fulfilling specific conditions.
Prof. Etudaiye, who is also the Chairman of the University Admission Committee, said that the students of the School of Preliminary Studies must obtain a minimum score of 180 in the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) and have at least five O’ Level credit passes in relevant subjects. He said further that candidates’ UTME subject combination must be correct, as the University portal has been designed to flag any incorrect combinations.
He warned that registration errors could negatively impact admission chances, stating that “some of you go to cyber cafés for your registration. Be absolutely careful about the information they enter for you because incorrect information may deprive you of your admission chance, even if you have the correct score”.
Also speaking, the Registrar, Mr Mansur Alfanla, also urged the students to use their time wisely, reminding them that their parents have sacrificed for them and they should not disappoint them.
He told the students, “Follow the rules of the game in SPS, dress well as directed by the school. Do not bully or fight and do not engage in examination malpractices. Be good ambassadors of your parents and UNILORIN.”
Corroborating the submission of the Chairman of the Admission Committee, the University Admission Officer, Mrs Ruth Adedoyin Selekere, cautioned candidates about subject combination mismatches.
She noted that some candidates select subjects they are more familiar with, even if they do not align with their intended courses of study. “For instance, the correct JAMB subject combination for candidates applying for Engineering must include Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics. If a candidate chooses Physics, Chemistry, and Biology, they will not be eligible for registration, meaning they will have to opt for another course”, she said.
“For candidates applying for Medicine, Biology, Biochemistry, Physiology, Anatomy, and Medical Laboratory Science (MLS), the required subject combination is Physics, Chemistry, and Biology. And for Arts students, especially those applying for Law and Linguistics, Literature in English is compulsory. Candidates must ensure they have Literature in both their O’ Level and UTME results to qualify for admission”, she further stated.
In their separate remarks, the immediate past Director of the School, Prof. M. A. N. Adeboye, and the Dawudu of Fufu, Mallam Muazu Alege, encouraged the students to make the most of the resources available to them, seek guidance from lecturers and mentors, and build meaningful relationships with their peers.
Earlier in his address, the Director of the School of Preliminary Studies, Prof. Sunday Aderibigbe, represented the Deputy Director, Dr Adeola Odebode, told the students that their destiny is in their hands. To achieve their target of gaining admission into the University of Ilorin, the Director encouraged the students to prioritise their studies and make learning their topmost priority.
He said the school is committed to the students’ academic and moral excellence which was why “Our dedicated tutors and staff are working tirelessly to ensure you excel in UTME. To support your academic success, we have SPS Marshals (staff and students) who will help maintain discipline and ensure compliance with school regulations.
Other dignitaries that joined the Vice Chancellor at the programme included the Dean of Physical Sciences, Prof. Baba Alafara; and the Director of the Institute of Education (IOE), Prof. Abdulraheem Yusuf;.
Other officers who made remarks were the Sub-Deans (Male and Female) and staff of the unit; Director, University Health Services, Dr Rasheed Odunola; the Director, Counseling Unit; the Director, UNILORIN Security, represented by Mr S. H. Ibrahim; DPO, Fufu, and the Principal Assistant Registrar SPS/School Secretary, Mr Sunday Olorunyomi
