Egbewole charges new staff to drive UNILORIN vision
By Tajudeen Babamale
The Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN, has charged newly employed staff of the University to align fully with the University’s vision, mission, and core values, as well as the strategic “Vision 1:10:500” of the current Administration for the University to attain higher heights.
Prof. Egbewole gave the charge last Thursday (April 30, 2026) while addressing the newly employed staff of the University at an orientation programme organised for them by the Centre for Research, Development and In-House Training (CREDIT) at the University Auditorium.
The Vice Chancellor said that every staff member, whether academic, administrative or technical, must strive for excellence in his or her respective roles, pointing out that the collective commitment of staff to professionalism and high performance is critical to the University’s aspiration of becoming one of the best 500 universities globally.
Prof. Egbewole, who is also the Secretary-General of the Association of West Africa Universities (AWAU), described the “UNILORIN of our dream” as an international centre of excellence in learning, research, probity, and community service. He said that achieving this vision requires discipline, integrity, and dedication from all employees, stressing that integrity remains the greatest asset of the institution.
Providing insight into the rigorous recruitment process, the Vice Chancellor disclosed that out of 23,254 applications received, only 1,727 candidates were shortlisted for interviews, while 350 representing about 1.5 percent of the applicants were eventually offered employment. He congratulated the new staff on their success and urged them to justify the confidence reposed in them.
While focusing on the academic staff, the renowned scholar and legal luminary mentioned key expectations, including technological proficiency, a research-driven approach to teaching, punctuality, and prompt response to assignments. He also advocated the need for regular attendance at lectures and Departmental activities, availability for mentorship, and maintaining a student-friendly disposition.
Addressing the non-teaching staff, the Vice Chancellor explained the importance of confidentiality in handling official matters and encouraged the staff to familiarise themselves with and effectively utilise the University’s official email system for communication. He also urged them to acquire relevant soft skills in areas that would help their career, while also maintaining a professional appearance through corporate dressing.
On his part, the Registrar of the University, Mr Mansur Adeleke Alfanla, advised the newly recruited staff to familiarise themselves thoroughly with the conditions of service of the University.
While appealing to those on the senior cadre to study and understand the Senior Staff Conditions of Service, the Registrar also encouraged the junior staff to read the Junior Staff Conditions of Service, stressing that a clear understanding of these documents is essential for effective service delivery and professional conduct within the University system. According to him, ignorance of established rules and regulations is not an excuse anywhere in the world, and staff members are expected to be fully guided by the provisions of their employment.
The Registrar also explained the importance of adhering strictly to the University’s line of communication. He said regardless of an individual’s status, influence, or external connections, every staff member must comply with laid-down administrative procedures and protocols, adding that respect for institutional hierarchy and proper channels of communication is critical to maintaining order, efficiency, and discipline within the University.
While charging the new employees to demonstrate diligence, punctuality, and unwavering commitment to duty, Mr Alfanla cautioned that confirmation of appointment is not automatic, explaining that all newly employed staff would undergo a mandatory two-year probation period. According to him, only those who are found worthy in terms of performance, conduct, and adherence to University regulations during this period would be confirmed as substantive staff of the institution.
Speaking earlier, the Director of CREDIT, Prof. Abdulkarim Oloyede, explained that the Centre manages several research platforms that cater for both internally and externally funded projects, providing a platform for staff to develop and execute innovative ideas.
Prof. Oloyede said, “If you have a brilliant research idea but no money to execute it, come to CREDIT. If you have an international grants opportunity but don’t know what to do, come to CREDIT. If you have won a grant but have issue with financial reporting, come to us at CREDIT”.
The Professor of Wireless Telecommunications noted that through initiatives such as the Senate Research Grants, the Centre assists researchers who lack funding. He also said the Centre guide researchers in sourcing grants, writing proposals, and meeting application requirements. He added that CREDIT also supports financial reporting and compliance processes for funded projects to ensure accountability and efficiency.
Prof. Oloyede disclosed that the University currently manages research funds from major organisations, including the Tertiary Education Trust Fund, the World Bank, and the European Union. According to him, the institution has secured over ₦12 billion in research grants within the last two years, with CREDIT playing a central coordinating role.
Other speakers at the orientation programme included the Bursar, Mr Abiodun Lawal, who spoke on University financial policy; the Ag. Director of Health Services, Dr Rasheed Adekeye Odunola; the Ag. Director of Security, Mr Paul Ogidi; and union leaders and the immediate past Deputy Vice Chancellor (Management Services) and Project Manager, Values, Prof. Adegboyega Adisa Fawole, represented by Prof. Adeniran.
