Campus News

Commendation galore as UNILORIN FM clocks 16

By Abubakar Imam

As UNILORIN 89.3 FM marked the 16th anniversary of its establishment last Wednesday (August 13, 2025),critical  stakeholders have showered encomiums on the  number one campus radio station.

            Leading the pack, the Director of Corporate Affairs, University of Ilorin, Mr Kunle Akogun, the Station Manager, Mr Idris Alooma, as well as listeners, community leaders and commentators have commended the station on its numerous contributions to national development.

Fielding questions on an interactive programme on the radio station, specifically dedicated to mark the anniversary, Mr Akogun said that UNILORIN FM has been offering fascinating support to the University through quality programming and exemplary services that have not only enhanced teaching and learning but have also been bridging the gap between the town and the gown.

Mr Akogun said that the station has proved to be “a veritable Giant in the Savannah”, considering the fact that it pioneered 24 hours transmission in Kwara State and for being the station that first gave listeners the privilege of calling in on telephone in the course of some of its programmes with a view to unveiling the minds of listeners on contemporary issues.

The Director added that “despite everything, our radio soldiers on”, saying, “We continue to rise and boom to the amazement of the University’s stakeholders and members of the public.”

            He commended the station for always operating within the rule, saying that the station deserves to be celebrated for its consistent civility, which makes it to be in the good books of the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) as it has never been sanctioned.

            While congratulating the management, staff and listeners to the station, Mr Akogun charged the station to increase the tempo of its operations for the University to be more impacted, particularly as the University prepares for its Golden Jubilee  celebration in November.

            The Director also congratulated the management of the University as he paid glowing tributes to a former Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof. Ishaq Olanrewaju Oloyede, CON, under whose tenure the station was established. He also commended his successors for their continuous support for the radio station.

            Also speaking on the special radio programme, the General Manager of the station, Mr Idris Akintola Ibrahim (Alooma), thanked the authorities of the University for not only establishing the station but also for ensuring that it has been kept afloat over the years.

            Mr Alooma, who is the second Head of the Station, said that the broadcast outfit has impacted greatly not only the University but also the nation at large.

            While saying that the position of the station among the 90 campus radio stations in Nigeria and 28 radio stations in Kwara State is very high, Mr Alooma explained that the station has trained more than 5000 broadcasters who are making waves across and beyond Nigeria.

            He also said that the station has been playing critical roles in promoting, polishing and preserving the worthy reputations of the University as it has become part of the University’s success story.

            Mr Alooma promised that the station would always support the aspirations of the University, particularly towards ensuring that its upcoming 50th anniversary is colourfully celebrated.

            In his goodwill message, the National President of the Ilorin Emirate Descendants Progressive Union (IEDPU), Alhaji Abdulmumini Ayo Abdulmalik, also saluted the station for its numerous contributions.

            Alhaji Abdulmalik said that the establishment of the radio station in 2009 marked a significant turning point in the history of broadcasting in Kwara State and North-Central region of the country in general.

            The community leader, in a statement signed by the Union’s Spokesperson, Mr Nurudeen Ibrahim, particularly thanked the station for its fraternity towards the institution’s host community, saying that the station has become a darling of the Union and the people of Ilorin.

            Other members of the public, who called in from various parts of Ilorin during the programme, also commended the exemplary impartiality of the radio station over the years.

            They noted that the station has been winning more listeners because of the quality of its news presentations and other programmes that are development-focused.

            The callers, who are renowned public affairs analysts, charged the Better By Far station not to spare any efforts at ensuring that the station remains on top of its peers, particularly in Kwara State.