Egbewole tasks staff on alternative research funding
By Tajudeen Babamale
The Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN, has urged academic staff of the College of Health Sciences to explore and attract research funding from sources beyond the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund).
Prof. Egbewole made the call last Wednesday (January 14, 2026) at the 2026 Annual Get-together of the College of Health Sciences, held at the New College Complex of the University of Ilorin.
Represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Management Services), Prof. Adegboyega Adisa Fawole, the Vice-Chancellor noted that while TETFund remains a critical intervention agency, there are numerous local and international funding bodies available to support research and innovation.
While stating that the University leadership is committed to addressing the infrastructural and administrative challenges confronting the College, he said funding remains a major constraint, largely due to limitations associated with Federal Government allocations. “There are many research funding agencies across the globe aside from TETFund’’, he said, adding, ‘‘We hope that in the nearest future, the College will become one of the biggest benefactors to the University through the volume of research grants it attracts.”
Reflecting on the significance of the annual get-together, the Vice Chancellor said the event underscored the core values cherished by the University of Ilorin, including unity, love, and mutual respect, saying that the University community continues to thrive on peaceful coexistence across religious, cultural, gender, and professional lines.
He cited examples of interfaith solidarity within the University, noting that Muslim staff traditionally visit their Christian colleagues during Christmas celebrations, while Christian staff reciprocate during the Ileya (Eid-el-Kabir) festivities.
According to him, this culture of unity in diversity, shared joy, and intellectual collaboration has continued to promote the University’s academic, intellectual, social, and cultural advancement. “The University of Ilorin has a peculiar culture which you have demonstrated today. We mix together in joyfulness and interaction, creating a smooth and conducive environment that enables progress. At the end of the day, we are better off socially, mentally stronger, and physically united,” he said.
Earlier in his address, the Provost of the College of Health Sciences, Prof. Sulyman Biodun Alabi, described the 2026 Annual Get-together as a historic occasion, noting that it would be his last as provost.
Reflecting on his tenure, particularly the cordial and productive relationship the College enjoyed with the Vice-Chancellor over the past three years, the Provost said the strong collaboration had translated into significant infrastructural and institutional developments.
While mentioning the ongoing construction of a 300-capacity Lecture Theatre at the New College Complex, which he said had reached about 48 per cent completion, the Provost also commended the Vice-Chancellor for approving the expansion of lecture theatres at the old College, an intervention he said had attracted commendation from various regulatory and accreditation bodies.
Prof. Alabi further appreciated the University management for the provision of solar-powered lighting across key facilities in the College. He listed installations including 10KVA solar systems for the Provost’s Office, the Dean of Clinical Sciences, the Basic Medical Sciences and Clinical Sciences buildings, the College Library, and the Anatomy Department, as well as 5KVA systems each for Lecture Halls A and B. He noted that these interventions had ensured reliable power supply across major service points within the College.
Beyond infrastructure, the Provost thanked the University management for the confidence reposed in him through his appointment, noting that the position made him eligible for election as Chairman of the Association of Provosts of Colleges of Medicine in Nigeria (APCOM).
According to him, his election to the national position has created opportunities to facilitate infrastructure development across selected Colleges of Health Sciences in Nigeria, and most recently, N110 Billion Medical Education Fund approved by President Tinubu for 18 universities, to target infrastructure upgrades in order to boost medical school capacity and address doctor shortages.
Prof. Alabi commended members of staff for their dedication and commitment to the growth of the College and gave special recognition to the Deputy Director of Works in charge of the College, Engr. Sunday Omale Aloga, for his honesty, faithfulness, and exemplary professionalism, which he said contributed immensely to the successful execution of projects within the College.
In their separate goodwill messages, the Dean of the Faculty of Clinical Sciences, Prof. Kolawole Wasiu Wahab; the Dean of the Faculty of Basic Clinical Sciences, Prof. Hannah Oluwayemisi Olawumi; and the Dean of the Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Prof. Luqman Aribidesi Olayaki, expressed appreciation to the Vice-Chancellor, the Provost, and their respective staff for their consistent support. They, however, used the occasion to present the challenges facing their faculties to the University Administration.
