Prioritise your health- Arise tells Unilorites
By Bashir Dawodu
The Dean of the Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Ilorin, Prof. Rotimi Olusanya Arise, has urged members of the University community and Nigerians at large to always prioritise their health, stressing that good health remains the foundation for productivity and success.
Prof. Arise made the call last Monday (June 1,2026) during a health awareness programme organised by the Faculty and powered by the Arise for the People Foundation (APF).
The event, themed “Health and Vision for Life:Your Eyes, Your Health and Your Future,” held at the Faculty of Science Lecture Theatre II.
Speaking with UNILORIN Bulletin, Prof. Arise said that maintaining good health is essential for effective performance in the workplace and other aspects of life.
According to him, healthy individuals are more productive and better equipped to contribute meaningfully to society.
He encouraged members of the University community to undergo regular medical check-ups to monitor their health status and detect potential health challenges early.
“Today is my birthday, and instead of celebrating with parties, I decided to give back to the community where I work because of my passion for humanity,” he said.
The Dean explained that the APF, in collaboration with its partners, has consistently organised outreach programmes in villages, churches and mosques, providing free medical services, reading glasses,and health screenings for underserved populations.He added that the foundation also supports educational initiatives and scholarships for students.
Prof. Arise commended the Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN, and the University management for their support, noting that the programme aligns with the Vision 1:10:500 agenda of the institution. He pledged his continued commitment to initiatives that would contribute to the growth and development of the university.
He further advocated the expansion of similar health programmes across Faculties and units within the University as he noted that regular health interventions could help prevent avoidable diseases and reduce cases of premature death.
Also speaking, a final year student of the Department of Economics and member of the AFP, Miss Temilola Arise, praised Prof. Arise for his commitment to humanitarian service and community development.
She described the AFP as an organisation dedicated to supporting vulnerable groups through the provision of free medical supplies and healthcare services. She also stressed the importance of routine health examinations for maintaining overall well-being.
One of the beneficiaries, Prof. Mutiat Adebanke Balogun of the Department of Home Economics and Food Sciences, University of Ilorin, commended Prof. Arise for the initiative.
She described the programme as impactful and worthy of continuation, noting that she benefited from the health screenings and received a pair of eyeglasses.
Highlights of the event included free eye screening, blood pressure and blood sugar checks, health education sessions, body mass index (BMI) assessment, and general medical consultations.
The programme attracted staff, students of the Faculty of Life Sciences and members of the wider University community.
