Why UNILORIN Alumni secretariat was upgraded
By Isaac Lewu
The Deputy Registrar (Alumni and Industrial Relations), University of Ilorin, Mr Musbau Jimoh, has said that the recent transformation of the National Secretariat of the University of Ilorin Alumni Association was driven by the need to align the facility with global standards befitting a leading institution of learning.
Mr Jimoh disclosed this while speaking with UNILORIN Bulletin in his office last Tuesday (March 10, 2026).
According to him, the decision to reconstruct and upgrade the Alumni Secretariat followed the emergence of a new Executive Council of the Alumni Association on August 5, 2024, under the leadership of its National President, Prof. AbdulGaniyu Kilani.
He explained that the leadership of the Association considered it necessary to improve the appearance and functionality of the Secretariat, noting that the previous state of the building did not adequately reflect the status of a “city of knowledge” such as the University of Ilorin.
Mr Jimoh said the reconstruction was, therefore, undertaken to give the Secretariat a befitting outlook and provide facilities that meet both national and global standards expected of a functional alumni administrative centre.
Speaking on the responsibilities of the Alumni Relations Unit, the Deputy Registrar explained that one of its key functions is the clearance of graduating students, noting that every student who has completed his or her academic programme must pass through the Alumni Unit for clearance before leaving the University.
Mr Jimoh added that the University recently introduced an online clearance system for graduating students, a development he described as a major improvement that has simplified the process and enhanced efficiency.
According to him, the online platform also makes it easier for the University to determine the number of students graduating in each academic cycle.
The Deputy Registrar further explained that the Alumni Relations Unit also plays a vital role in fostering networking among graduates of the University across different generations and professional fields.
He said the Unit works to maintain a strong bond between the University and its alumni by encouraging graduates to maintain a sense of belonging and to give back to the institution that contributed to their academic and professional development.
Mr Jimoh disclosed that the Unit collaborates closely with the Advancement Centre of the University to mobilise alumni support for institutional development.
He noted that this synergy was particularly evident during the just concluded 50th Anniversary celebrations of the University, when several distinguished alumni contributed significantly to the success of the event.
While appreciating the support of the University management, Mr Jimoh appealed for additional assistance to enable the Unit function more effectively.
He identified the need for improved office facilities, including furniture and other essential working tools, to enhance operational efficiency.
The Deputy Registrar also emphasised the importance of reliable internet connectivity for the Alumni Relations Unit, noting that the office interacts frequently with alumni across the globe and therefore requires strong digital infrastructure.
He further called for stronger collaboration between the Alumni Unit and the various Faculties of the University to facilitate access to accurate data of graduating students.
Mr Jimoh added that such collaboration would enable the Unit to update its alumni database regularly and maintain effective communication with graduates of the University.
He expressed optimism that with sustained support and improved institutional synergy, the Alumni Relations Unit would continue to strengthen engagement between the University of Ilorin and its growing global alumni community.
