Egbewole commends UHL on expansion of commercial impact
By Tajudeen Babamale
The Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN, has commended the management of the Unilorin Holdings Limited (UHL) on building one of the most diverse and innovative commercial portfolios within the nation’s university system, noting that its impact continues to grow remarkably.
Prof. Egbewole made the remarks last Monday at the maiden End-of-the-Year Get-Together/Send-Off organised by Unilorin Holdings Limited at the Dam Site.
The Vice Chancellor, who was represented at the event by the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Research, Technology and Innovation), Prof. Muhtar Adeiza Etudaiye, said that the company’s operations justify its designation as a “holding limited,” given the breath of enterprises under its management.
He expressed confidence that with continued expansion, UHL would, in the future, operate with full independence from the administrative processes of the University.
Prof. Egbewole explained that members of staff of UHL were deliberately selected for their capacity to think creatively and function beyond the traditional civil service or academic mentality. He noted that the vision behind the staffing process is already yielding results, as reflected in the company’s recent growth trajectory.
Describing the event as a day of reflection, appreciation, and celebration, the Vice Chancellor said the atmosphere was made possible by the outstanding performance of the staff and the initiative of the Managing Director, Prof. Bashir Raji, to organise the gathering.
Prof. Egbewole expressed gratitude to the management team and congratulated the award recipients, stressing that their recognition was based on honesty, transparency, integrity, and the distinguished qualities that justified their appointment into the organisation.
The Vice Chancellor urged the staff to sustain their commitment to excellence as UHL continues to advance its commercial leadership within and beyond the University environment.
Speaking earlier, the Director of UNILORIN Holdings Limited, Prof. Bashir Raji, said the company has demonstrated resilience and growth in the face of significant economic challenges experienced in 2025.
He appreciated both past and present staff of the Holdings, acknowledging their hard work, loyalty, and contributions to the company’s accomplishments in 2025. He noted that the event was particularly historic as it was the first to be held since UHL formally became a limited liability company.
Reflecting on the business climate during the year, Prof. Raji revealed that some UHL ventures, particularly the petroleum outlet, faced tough operational and financial conditions. He cited volatile fuel pricing as a major concern, noting that the company once procured a tanker of petrol at over N20 million only for the price to be drastically reduced the next day, largely due to market disruptions.
Prof. Raji said that despite these setbacks, the year also recorded notable successes as UHL expanded its operations, growing from seven business units to nine with the addition of the Optometry Unit and Unilorin Health Services to its portfolio.
He credited the achievement to the unwavering support of the University Governing Council led by Surv. Abiodun Aluko, and the University management under the leadership of the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN.
Prof. Raji also appreciated the company’s partners and vendors, many of whom were present at the ceremony. He said that their support was instrumental to UHL’s stability and productivity, as he reflected the organic and mutually respectful relationships that helped sustain the organisation throughout the year.
Speaking on a major structural change within the organisation, the Director disclosed that all University staff were fully disengaged from UHL operations during the year, making the company a wholly private-driven entity. According to him, this transition has strengthened operational efficiency and positioned the Holdings for greater competitiveness.
Looking ahead, Prof. Raji called for renewed commitment in 2026, urging staff to align fully with the Vice Chancellor’s vision of making the University of Ilorin the best in Nigeria. He added that achieving this ambition would naturally elevate Unilorin Holdings Limited to a leading position among corporate entities in the country.
The Director reaffirmed UHL’s readiness to explore new opportunities and deepen its commercial footprint in the coming year.
