UNILORIN endows ₦.25b Oloyede Professorial Chair of Islamics
…as Adedimeji extols his exemplary leadership
By Mubarak Oladosu and Tajudeen Babamale
The Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN, has announced plans to endow the Is-haq Olanrewaju Oloyede Professorial Chair of Islamics with a sum of ₦250 million in recognition of the outstanding contributions of the immediate past Registrar and Chief Executive Officer of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Prof. Is-haq Olanrewaju Oloyede, CON.
Oloyede, an alumnus of the University, rose through the academic ranks in the University, and became its 8th Vice Chancellor, before his ultimate appointment as a Professor Emeritus of the University.
The Vice Chancellor made the announcement last Monday (August 17, 2026) in his welcome address delivered at the Homecoming Celebration of the scholar and Investiture Ceremony for Distinguished Alumni and Unilorin Ambassadors held at the University Auditorium.
Prof. Egbewole described Prof. Emeritus Oloyede as representing “the very best” of what the University of Ilorin stands for, citing his sterling leadership, academic accomplishments, administrative acumen, intellectual contributions and commitment to national development.
Prof. Egbewole, who was recently elected into the Executive Council of the International Association of Constitutional Law (IACL), said that the proposed Professorial Chair would serve as one of the most fitting ways of recognising the contributions of the distinguished scholar to the University and the wider society.
The Vice Chancellor called on members of the audience and other friends of the University and well-meaning individuals to support the endowment of the Chair. He described Prof. Emeritus Oloyede as a dedicated academic, persistent leader and an outstanding human being.
Prof. Egbewole said the University was particularly proud that Prof. Emeritus Oloyede’s story remained interwoven with the history and development of the institution, noting that his contributions to the academic community and service to the University had left enduring footprints.
He added that Prof. Oloyede’s accomplishments demonstrated that education was not merely about acquiring knowledge but also about deploying knowledge, character, dedication and leadership to make meaningful differences to society.
He, however, cautioned against the commercialisation of university education, warning against treating students merely as customers and degrees as commodities. He urged university leaders to engage in honest dialogue and ensure that the conference produced actionable and evidence-based recommendations.
Similarly, the Chairman of the Committee of Vice-Chancellors of Federal Universities, Prof. Tanko Ishaya, advocated research commercialisation, flexible learning pathways and diversified funding sources to strengthen the resilience of Nigerian universities.
Prof. Ishaya urged institutions to deepen partnerships with industry, develop endowments and engage alumni more effectively, stressing that dependence on government allocations and student charges was no longer sustainable.
He also called for curricula that respond to the digital age, particularly developments in artificial intelligence and digital learning platforms, while identifying effective governance, staff welfare, conflict resolution and technology-driven administration as essential to institutional stability.
On his part, the Chairman of the Committee of Pro-Chancellors of Nigerian Federal Universities, Dr Yayale Ahmed, called for stronger partnerships between Governing Councils and Vice Chancellors to promote good governance, institutional stability and sustainable development.
Dr Ahmed urged Vice Chancellors to regard Governing Councils as partners in progress and ensure transparency in finances, appointments, procurement and major institutional decisions, while advising councils to exercise effective oversight without interfering in the day-to-day administration of universities.
He maintained that stronger collaboration between Governing Councils and University management would enhance institutional autonomy with accountability, academic excellence, good governance and sustainable development.
The interventions collectively underscored the need for Nigerian universities to embrace resilience as a strategic institutional culture, supported by effective leadership, innovation, collaboration, responsible regulation, diversified funding and partnerships with government, industry, alumni, students and communities.
