By Abubakar Imam
The National President of the Ilorin Emirate Descendants Progressive Union (IEDPU), Alhaji Abdulmumini Ayo Abdulmalik, has said that the University of Ilorin has become an essential part of the Ilorin Emirate, describing it as an institution that the host community is always very proud of.
Alhaji Abdulmalik made this assertion last Wednesday (November 5, 2025) while participating on ‘‘Countdown to UNILORIN @ 50’’, a special personality interview programme on UNILORIN FM 89.3, dedicated to celebrate the University’s Golden Jubilee. The programme was jointly anchored by the Head of the Station, Mr Idris Alooma and its Head of Programmes, Mr Temitope Olawuyi.
The community leader said that the people of Ilorin Emirate are always stimulated by the fantastic contributions of the University and its products to national and human developments.
He described the University as one of the highly respected ones in the country, particularly because of its strict adherence to maintenance of its academic calendar, saying that the prevailing peace in the host community is impacting positively on the University.
Alhaji Abdulmalik said that the University and Ilorin community have been enjoying good relationships since its establishment most especially with the present leadership of the University.
He described the current Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN, as a fantastic lawyer, passionate teacher and gifted administrator who has been running the affairs of the institution with competence.
Alhaji Abdulmalik, who is a retired Assistant Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Immigration Service, commended the Vice Chancellor for his exciting fraternity with every stakeholder, saying that he has never seen the always-smiling legal luminary frowning his face.
He recalled that the Ilorin community always rallies round the University whenever there is the need to do so, as he assured that the Ilorin community would continue to support the University as it progresses.
Alhaji Abdulmalik, who is also an alumnus of the University, said that the people of Ilorin Emirate are prepared to join the University and other stakeholders in celebrating its 50 years of existence, pointing out that the University deserves to be celebrated.
While noting out that the University has been a blessing to Ilorin in so many positive ways, particularly in providing employment opportunities and access to University education, the community leader said that the people of Ilorin Emirate anticipate more support from the University.
Alhaji Abdulmalik recalled the roles played by the community in establishing the University, saying that the people of Ilorin have no regret whatsoever over the location of the University in their domains.
He explained that his organisation has also been offering support to the University with the most recent one being an endowment of the sum of ₦2,000,000 for an annual prize to be awarded to the best graduating student of the University.
Speaking on the University service delivery, Alhaji Abdulmalik encouraged the staff of the University to continue to work hard, saying that whatever one does is for oneself.
