By Abubakar Imam
The Dean of the Graduate School, University of Kigali, Rwanda, Prof. Abdulrazaq Olayinka Oniye, has called on all those who passed through the University of Ilorin at one point or the other to join hands with its management, staff and students as the University celebrates its Golden Jubilee.
Prof. Oniye gave this advice last Wednesday (November 12, 2025) in a telephone chat with UNILORIN Bulletin.
The don said that the institution has come a long way in every aspect and, therefore, deserves to be warmly celebrated by all and sundry, particularly by its beneficiaries.
Prof. Oniye, who is also a former Director of the University’s Centre for Counselling and Human Development, explained that the 50 years old citadel of learning has produced thousands of alumni who are doing well at local, regional and international levels.
He explained that from his base in Kigali he has been following with keen interest the preparations for the anniversary, saying that he expected the anniversary to be used as an opportunity to relaunch the greatness of the University.
Prof. Oniye, who is an expert in Counsellor Education, recalled the early days of the University, saying that as a primary school pupil then he was among the youngsters of the University’s host community who watched the institution grow from the scratch to the level it has attained today.
He appealed to alumni of the University and its ex-staff wherever they are to ensure that they find one reason or the other to be parts of the anniversary.
On how those who are beyond the shores of Nigeria can participate in the anniversary, Prof. Oniye, who is also an alumnus of the University, said that they should support the University with funds and materials. He added that no amount of money would be too much to be given to one’s alma mater.
Prof. Oniye equally said that alumni and ex-staff of the institution who are in the diaspora can also demonstrate their patriotism to the University by following the proceedings of each of the events lined up for the anniversary virtually.
He also maintained that such alumni can also hang the memorabilia of the University in their various homes and offices and should also pray for the smooth and successful conduct of the anniversary.
The don also suggested the authorship and publication of writeups on various aspects of the University, which they find fascinating for the education of others.
Aside from the above, Prof. Oniye said that the greatest honour alumni could do to their alma mater is by conducting themselves with absolute integrity and honour, saying that such actions would promote the University more than words of mouth.
Prof. Oniye commended all the previous leaders of the University for their various efforts, which, he said, culminated in what is being celebrated today.
He particularly congratulated the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN, for invigorating the internatlonalisation drive of the University since he assumed the position.
Prof. Oniye further congratulated the Vice Chancellor and other Principal Officers on being in charge of the University as it attains the golden age. He encouraged all stakeholders to support the University for it to maintain its leadership position among its peers.
