By Isaac Lewu
The Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN, has reaffirmed the commitment of the University to strengthen its academic collaboration with the University of Georgia, United States of America, describing the partnership as vital to the promotion of African scholarship and multidisciplinary research.
Prof. Egbewole stated this last Wednesday (May 13, 2026) while receiving a delegation from the University of Georgia led by the Assistant Director of the University’s African Studies Institute,Dr David Olali.
The Vice Chancellor, who was represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Research, Technology and Innovation), Prof. Muhtar Adeiza Etudaiye, noted that the partnership between both institutions remained important in preserving African heritage, history and cultural identity amidst emerging global challenges.
He explained that African studies and related research areas had become increasingly significant in a rapidly changing world where younger generations were gradually losing touch with the continent’s historical struggles and values. According to him, there is a need for sustained enlightenment and scholarship to help Africans better understand contemporary realities and safeguard their cultural heritage.
Prof. Egbewole also observed that digital platforms and global media narratives often project foreign priorities at the expense of African perspectives, stressing the need for institutions to deliberately promote African-centred knowledge production and intellectual engagement.
He commended scholars involved in the collaboration for their resilience and dedication despite prevailing global academic and ideological pressures.
The Vice Chancellor further assured the visiting delegation of the University of Ilorin’s continued support for research partnerships and institutional collaborations capable of advancing scholarship and development across Africa and beyond.
Prof. Egbewole, appreciated the delegation for the visit and reaffirmed the commitment of the University to international collaborations that promote scholarship, cultural exchange and research development.
He also lauded the Faculty of Arts for sustaining partnerships that project the image of the University globally, expressing optimism that the forthcoming conference would further strengthen ties between both institutions and contribute meaningfully to intellectual discourse on Africa’s future.
Also speaking, the Dean of the Faculty of Arts, University of Ilorin, Prof.Ibrahim Abdulganiyu Jawondo, praised the growing international partnership between the University and the African Studies Institute, describing it as a platform that has continued to promote academic excellence and global engagement.
The Dean said the collaboration had transformed academic activities within the Faculty and strengthened ties between African scholars and international institutions.
Prof. Jawondo noted that the University has consistently participated in international conferences organised by the African Studies Institute, adding that the institution would again take part in the 26th International Conference scheduled to hold later this year.
He explained that the visit of the Deputy Director of the Institute was aimed at assessing preparations for the conference and further deepening academic cooperation between both institutions.
According to him, the partnership has provided opportunities for scholars in Northern Georgia and Africa to exchange ideas and advance research initiatives.
He commended the Vice Chancellor for creating an enabling environment that supports international collaborations and promotes sustainable academic development.
Responding, Dr Olali called on African leaders, scholars and institutions to deliberately preserve the continent’s cultural heritage and strengthen collaborations that would position Africa for global relevance in a rapidly changing world.
Dr Olali commended the University for its academic excellence, describing the institution’s ambience, intellectual culture and historical relevance as impressive and deeply inspiring.
He noted that the collaboration between the two universities had continued to foster meaningful academic partnerships focused on Africa-centred development, stressing the need for resilience and intentional strategies among African institutions.
Also present were the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic), Prof. Moji Taibat Odunola-Bakare; the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Management Services), Prof. Olalere Adeyemi; the Registrar, Mr Mansur Adeleke Alfanla; the University Librarian, Prof Kamaldeen Tunde Omopupa; the Bursar, Mr Abiodun Lawal, who was represented by a Deputy Bursar, Mrs Sherifat Ibrahim Alege; the Deputy Registrar, Vice chancellors Office, Mrs Azeezat Ibrahim;among others.
