50th anniversary: Emir of Ilorin praises UNILORIN’s quiet achievements
By Abubakar Imam and Tajudeen Babamale
The Emir of Ilorin and Chairman of the Kwara State Council of Chiefs, Alhaji (Dr) Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, CFR, has commended the University of Ilorin on its culture of excellence built on humility, noting that the institution does not make noise, its achievements do.
The Emir made the remarks last Monday (November 24, 2025) while receiving the Chairman of the Governing Council of the University of Ilorin, Surveyor Jacob Abiodun Aluko; the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN; members of the Governing Council; Principal Officers; alumni; staff and students of the University during a courtesy visit to his palace. The visit was part of activities marking the University’s 50th anniversary celebrations.
The Emir acknowledged the University’s consistent progress over the decades and described his guests as a group of forward-looking and progressive individuals. He observed that knowing how the University began and seeing the level it has attained today brings him tremendous pride, particularly its reputation as a respected institution in Nigeria and beyond.
He also noted the University’s long-standing stability, especially its record of uninterrupted academic calendar, which has given students confidence in the certainty of their graduation timelines, adding that this stability has enhanced the prestige of both the University and the Ilorin community at national and global levels.
Reflecting on Ilorin’s rich intellectual heritage, the Emir recalled the scholarly legacy of Sheikh Alimi, the founder of the Ilorin Emirate, whose depth of knowledge and character continue to define the city’s identity as he reaffirmed that knowledge remains one of the strongest attributes historically associated with the Ilorin community.
The Emir extended his congratulations to the University on reaching its golden jubilee and expressed his delight at the institution’s accomplishments. He emphasised that both the University and the Ilorin Emirate merit the honour and recognition that the 50th Anniversary represents.
Speaking earlier, the Chairman of the Governing Council of the University of Ilorin, Surveyor Jacob Abiodun Aluko, congratulated the Emir on his 30th anniversary on the throne, describing the milestone as a blessing not only to the Ilorin Emirate but also to the University community.
Surv. Aluko noted that it was a pleasant coincidence for the University to be celebrating its golden jubilee at the same time the Emir was marking three decades of impactful leadership. He said that the double celebration symbolises harmony, growth, and divine favour for both institutions.
The Council Chairman lauded the Emir for his continuous support, emphasising that the University bears the name of the Emirate with pride because Ilorin has given it a reputable identity grounded in peace, hospitality, and cultural dignity. He stated that Ilorin remains one of the most peaceful and accommodating cities in the country, making it an ideal environment for academic excellence.
Surv. Aluko explained that the University is proud to be associated with the Ilorin community and acknowledged the Emir’s pivotal role in ensuring that the institution enjoys a serene and supportive host environment. He added that Ilorin is home to everyone, irrespective of origin, and that this spirit of inclusiveness has strengthened the bond between the town and the gown.
Surv. Aluko reaffirmed the University’s aspiration to become the number one institution in Nigeria, noting that the goal is achievable through the cooperation of the Emir, the Ilorin Emirate community, and the collective efforts of staff and management.
He commended the Vice Chancellor Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN, and his team for their dedication to projecting the University positively and ensuring that it remains in the news for the right reasons.
On his part, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN, expressed gratitude to Almighty Allah for preserving the Emir and granting him the privilege to mark 30 years on the throne of his forefathers. He described the Emir’s reign as one that has brought peace, dignity, and steady progress to the Ilorin Emirate.
The Vice Chancellor reflected on the historical relationship between the University and the Emirate, noting that UNILORIN was established on a land graciously allocated by the 9th Emir of Ilorin, Sheikh Sulu Gambari, CFR, who was the father of the current Emir, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, CFR. He stated that the institution continues to enjoy the goodwill, hospitality, and protection of the Ilorin community, which has made its growth over the past 50 years possible.
Prof. Egbewole pointed out that this foundational support created a stable environment that has enabled the University to thrive academically, administratively, and socially. He noted that the University remains grateful for the continuous accommodation and cooperation it has enjoyed from the Emirate.
The Vice Chancellor added that as UNILORIN celebrates its golden jubilee, it remains determined to strengthen its partnership with the Ilorin community and ensure that every effort capable of advancing the Emirate’s growth and prestige is pursued with dedication.
