By Mustafa Abubakar

The Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN, has expressed appreciation to the 1995 Medical Graduates of the University for their remarkable commitment to giving back to their alma mater, describing their achievements as outstanding and worthy of emulation.

     Speaking when the 1995 Medical Graduates visited him in his office penultimate Friday (July 18, 2025), Prof. Egbewole said, “Climbing the ladder is an understatement. Many of you have excelled globally, adopted the Provost, and stayed connected as a true family. Your classmates and many others have demonstrated this enduring spirit of service and sacrifice. The projects you have invested in on behalf of the University are deeply appreciated.”

      The Vice Chancellor emphasised that “giving back is not just because you have the means, but because you have the mind to do so, noting that not everyone with the means remembers to give back.”

         He commended the class for choosing to hold their meeting on campus, especially as it coincides with the University’s Golden Jubilee.

          He urged them to identify further legacy projects during their business meeting to mark the 50th anniversary meaningfully.

         The Vice Chancellor acknowledged that while the 1984 set was recently recognised, the 1995 set has equally secured its place in the University’s history of honour and contribution.

         Prof. Egbewole also addressed the longstanding challenge of transcript processing, explaining that transcripts for graduates from 2005 till date can now be obtained within ten minutes, while the University is still working on others.

         He said, “Just 48 hours ago, we met with Deans and Principal Officers and resolved to set up a taskforce to collate and automate these older records. This is because as long as you want to advance, you will be asked where you graduated from and what you obtained.”

        The Vice Chancellor stressed that the University has made transcript reform a priority under the 50th anniversary projects.

        “With this, we will and must also ensure proper record-keeping at all times”, Prof. Egbewole said, adding that the University has created a dedicated helpdesk for transcript-related issues and praised the officer managing it for ensuring prompt responses and inter-departmental coordination.

       He said, “Communication is important, so there is now a quick response system from table to table to settle issues promptly.”

        Earlier in his remarks, the President of ILUMSA, Dr Razaq, described the visit as a privilege that celebrates the unique bond within the Class of ’95.

         Dr Razaq said, “Our class is special. If I have to come back again, I would still choose this same family. Some people sacrificed greatly, coming all the way from Australia, Canada, the US, Thailand and those who could not be here are watching us live.”

        He stressed that “UNILORIN made us who we are, and the class remains committed to reaching out and encouraging current students.”

       According To Dr. Razaq, “when you meet a UNILORIN graduate anywhere in the world, it is always a thing of joy. We trust God to continue to help us contribute during our lifetime.”

        He also praised the Provost, College of Health Sciences, Prof. S. A. Alabi, describing him as a close friend and a key supporter of the class’ projects despite not being a member of the 1995 set.

       “Prof. Alabi has brought innovation; we are proud of his achievements. He guides us on projects and we respect him deeply. Many of our classmates are professors today, they are climbing the ladder of administration too”, he said.

          Dr Razaq, however, appealed for improvement in transcript services, noting that in this age of globalisation, the system must be modernised.

         He said, “As an alumnus of the University of London, I can apply online and get my transcript within 48 hours. I pay and download it. I want UNILORIN to move in this same direction because our graduates are excelling globally and need that support. When people abroad see that the system works, they are encouraged to give back more. This is a privilege to be here with my colleagues most of them are greater than me. I am just the chief servant.”

               Also speaking, Prof. Lukman Abdulrahman, who is also a member of the 1995 set, expressed joy at seeing his classmates after many years of graduation.

         Prof. Abdulrahman said, “We have stayed connected since we left. In 2020 during COVID, we planned to meet here but the pandemic disrupted it. Still, we did something for the institution with over ₦10 million worth of projects on digital skills and an audio-visual centre, with about six lecture rooms benefitting.”

        He added that this 30th anniversary reunion goes beyond mere celebration as the class has again donated a 15KVA solar-powered inverter to support the University, with more projects under consideration after their business meeting.

       The event was attended by Principal Officers, including the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic), Prof. Moji Taibat Bakare-Odunola; the Deputy Vice Chancellor (RTI), Prof. Muhtar Adeiza Etudaiye; the University Bursar, Mr Biodun Lawal; the University Librarian, Prof. Tunde Omopupa; the Deputy Registrar (Vice Chancellor’s office), Mrs Azeezat Ibrahim, and other members of  the class, among others.