The Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN, has commended the institution’s New Media Team for its outstanding performance at the 2025 edition of the National Spokesperson’s Award, organised by the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation.

At the second edition of the award ceremony held in Abuja, the University emerged as the Best in Corporate Share of Voice (Social Media). In addition, the University’s Social Media Manager, Mr Lukman Temitope Omoniyi, also emerged as a finalist in the Outstanding Spokesperson (Education Sector) category.

The Vice Chancellor, who received the team last Tuesday (April 22, 2025) at the University Council Chamber, at a brief ceremony witnessed by Principal Officers, Provost and Deans, expressed satisfaction with its performance, describing the recognition as a confirmation of the University’s growing visibility and impact in the digital communication space.

Prof. Egbewole,  noted that the dual nominations, with one resulting in a win, clearly reflect a high level of national acknowledgment of the team’s efforts, He, however, said there is still room for improvement as he encouraged the team to sustain its current momentum and strive to win both categories in future editions.

The Vice Chancellor further praised the team’s ability to achieve such a milestone within a relatively short time frame of the constitution of the team, attributing the success to hard work, dedication, and effective teamwork.

While reaffirming the University Management’s support for initiatives that would enhance its public relations and communication strategies, the Vice Chancellor charged the team to remain focused, work collaboratively, and continue to serve as a strong arm of the University’s Corporate Affairs Unit. 

Prof. Egbewole told the Team to “keep up the good work as individuals, as a team, as a unit of the Directorate of Corporate Affairs, and as a key part of the University’s public image. Let us continue to cooperate with one another and improve on our efforts for the betterment of our great institution.”

Speaking earlier, the Head of the New Media Team, Mr Segun Alabi, expressed deep appreciation to the Vice Chancellor, for his unwavering support towards the growth and success of the University’s digital communication initiatives.

Mr Alabi, who is also the  Protocol Officer to the Vice Chancellor, acknowledged the instrumental role played by the University leadership since the establishment of the New Media Unit under the Directorate of Corporate Affairs. He noted that the Vice Chancellor’s consistent encouragement and responsiveness to the team’s needs have significantly contributed to the team’s growing achievements and national recognition.

The New Media Team Lead reiterated the team’s commitment to sustaining its performance and building on its achievements. He assured the University management that the Team would continue to explore innovative strategies and content-driven communication to further enhance the University of Ilorin’s public image and digital footprint.

Present at the presentation were the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Research, Technology and Innovation), Prof. Muhtar Adeiza Etudaiye; the Registrar, Mr Mansur Adeleke Alfanla; the Provost, College of Health Sciences, Prof. Biodun Sulyman Alabi;  the Director of Corporate Affairs, Mr Kunle Akogun; Deans of Faculties, the Assistant Coordinator of the New Media Team, Dr Fatai Jimoh and the Team’s Photographer, Mr Solomon Adeniji.