….commends Yahaya on milestones

By Mustafa  Abubakar

The Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN, has commissioned some projects executed by the institution’s Faculty of Education as he also commended the hardwork and resourcefulness of its immediate past Dean, Prof. Lasiele  Alabi Yahaya.

 Prof. Egbewole described the initiative as a demonstration of the Faculty’s commitment to academic excellence, practical innovation, and promotion of  students’ welfare.

The Vice Chancellor, who was represented  by the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Management Services), Prof. Adegboyega Adisa Fawole, was particularly excited with the completion of a new E-Library, and the dedication of a 100-seater student pavilion, which was renamed in honour of the immediate past Dean of the Faculty.

The Vice Chancellor, who also inspected  Faculty’s ongoing locally constructed keke solar vehicle project being executed by the Woodwork Unit of the Faculty, described the E-Library as a significant milestone that reflects the University’s culture of continuity and responsible leadership.

Prof. Egbewole noted that the project began under the previous administration but was completed under the present leadership, adding that it a testament to the Faculty’s commitment to sustaining good ideas and transforming them into tangible legacies.

The Vice Chancellor emphasised that the E-Library will not only serve students of the Faculty of Education but will also strengthen research, learning, and teaching for the entire University community.

He assured staff and students that the university management, through COMSIT, would continue to work hard to achieve total internet coverage across the campus so as to make facilities like the new E-Library fully accessible and effective.

He further encouraged students and staff to make maximum use of the new E-Library to improve the quality of their academic works and research outputs.

He reminded all that the real value of such a project lies in how well it is used to uplift scholarship, collaboration, and innovation within the University.

Prof. Egbewole also charged the Faculty’s leadership and students to ensure that the facility is well-maintained and protected for future generations to benefit from.

“We must all take ownership of this facility and ensure that it remains functional, secure, and useful for everyone,” he added.

At the Woodwork Workshop, Prof. Egbewole commended the team for its resourcefulness and determination in producing a local keke solar-powered vehicle.

 He praised the Faculty’s practical approach to problem-solving and highlighted that the University looks forward to showcasing these innovations during its upcoming 50th anniversary.

He added  that the project demonstrates that when academic knowledge is combined with local ingenuity, real solutions can be developed to address Nigeria’s unique challenges.

He also encouraged the students and the technical team to keep up their hard work and to see the project through to a high standard that the University can proudly present anywhere in the world.

Prof. Egbewole added that such  locally-driven innovations are part of the vision of the current University leadership to position UNILORIN as a centre for not only academic progress but also practical, homegrown solutions that improve lives in the wider society.

“This is how we make our knowledge useful, by turning ideas into action that meets people’s needs,” he said.

At the commissioning of the new stand, Prof. Egbewole described the renaming of the pavilion after Prof. Yahaya as a well-deserved honour for his years of selfless services, leadership, and commitment to student welfare.

He noted that the 100-seater stand would provide a safe and comfortable space for students to relax and interact while waiting for lectures, adding that it is an important response to the growing student population and the demands of the new academic curriculum.

He urged students to see the stand not just as a resting place but as an avenue for building healthy friendships, exchanging ideas, and fostering unity across departments.

Prof. Egbewole also expressed gratitude to the student leadership for wisely using their resources and creativity to deliver a project that will benefit generations of students to come.

He prayed that the sacrifices made by the students and staff would be rewarded abundantly and called on the incoming Dean to build on the spirit of service and unity that the stand represents.

Responding, the former Dean of the Faculty, Prof. Yahaya, expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Vice Chancellor, University management, staff, and students for making the day possible.

He described the E-Library as a dream actualised through collective will from the past administration and praised the Faculty for choosing to build on good foundations rather than abandon inherited plans.

He lauded the innovative project at the Woodwork Workshop as he described it as a proof that Nigerian universities can produce practical solutions that meet local needs when researchers and students work together.

Prof. Yahaya commended the leadership of the Nigerian Universities Education Students’ Association (NUESA) for their foresight in addressing a real need through the new pavilion.

“This stand is more than just a structure , it will help our students interact, relax, and prepare for lectures in a conducive environment. I urge the incoming Dean and all stakeholders to sustain this spirit of innovation, continuity, and collaboration,” he said.

Prof. Yahaya further expressed his readiness to continue to support the growth of the Faculty.

He assured staff and students that his doors will remain open for consultation, advice, and collaboration, and all that will contribute to the Faculty’s success in any way possible. In attendance were the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic), Prof. Moji Taibat Bakare-Odunola; the Registrar, Mr Mansur Adeleke Alfanla; the University Librarian, Prof. Tunde Kamaldeen Omopupa; Mrs Azeezat Ibrahim; the new Dean of the Faculty of Education; Prof. L. O. Olaitan; the Ag. Dean, Student Affairs; Dr Alex  Akanmu, among others.