Encomiums as staff, students celebrate Durosaro on retirement
By Abubakar Abdulquadri and Muizdeen Adewole
It was encomiums galore last Tuesday (September 1, 2026), as staff and students of the Department of Educational Guidance and Counselling, University of Ilorin, gathered to celebrate the academic contributions of Prof. Irene A. Durosaro to the service of humanity as she bowed out of the services of the University..
The celebration was held at the Faculty of Education NLT Lecture Theatre, University of Ilorin.
In his remarks, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN, expressed gratitude to the Almighty God for the life of Prof. Durosaro and for sustaining her through challenging periods, including the various pandemics, noting that she remained agile and active even at the point of her retirement.
Prof. Egbewole also commended the Department and the Faculty for organising the celebration, stressing that one of the greatest things that could happen to members of the University community was to demonstrate relevance through dedication to their responsibilities in their respective units and departments.
The Vice Chancellor, therefore, encouraged Prof. Durosaro to continue to make meaningful contributions to the lives of students and to the development of the Department, Faculty and the wider University community, even in retirement.
He prayed that similar honour and recognition would be accorded everyone who had contributed positively to the growth and development of the University.
Prof. Egbewole said, “For us to have those tributes and for this kind of thing to happen, we must also sow good seeds. The kind of seed we plant while active in service at our various beats will determine what we reap.”
According to him, “The best for us is to ensure that we continue to mentor our young ones and also see the need to be impactful in the growth and development of the faculties and units where we serve.”
In his opening remarks, the Dean of the Faculty of Education, Prof. Olanrewaju Olukunmi Olaitan, who was represented by the Head of the Department of Adult and Primary Education, Prof. O. O. Okoji, appreciated the University Management for granting approval for the programme.
Prof. Olaitan acknowledged the immense contributions of Prof. Durosaro to the service of humanity throughout her active years and even at the point of her retirement, describing her accomplishments as worthy of emulation.
He felicitated with her on the occasion of her retirement celebration and wished her a happy, fulfilling and successful life, with further accomplishments in the years ahead.
The Head of the Department of Educational Guidance and Counselling, Dr. S. K. Ajiboye, described the occasion as a moment of transition and joy, noting that the gathering was an opportunity to celebrate Prof. Durosaro’s significant contributions to the University.
Dr Ajiboye also attested that Prof. Durosaro had served the University diligently and had successfully completed her service.
He advised members of staff to remain patient and committed in the pursuit of their goals, stressing that success requires perseverance and dedication.
In his remarks, the National President of the University of Ilorin Alumni Association, Prof. Abdulrasaq Olubusuyi Kilani, described Prof. Durosaro as a shining example of scholarship, humility and service.
Represented by the National Secretary of the Association, Dr Raji Barakat, the Alumni President said the event was not just to mark Prof. Durasaro’s exit from active service but to celebrate a life devoted to learning, mentorship and nation building.
Prof. Kilani said that Prof. Durosaro’s ties to the University of Ilorin are deeply rooted. ‘‘A distinguished alumna of the institution, she is also the wife of one of the University’s pioneer leaders’’, he said, noting that “her connection to the University of Ilorin is particularly special.” The Alumni President said, “Not only is she a proud product of our great institution, but she has also remained an important part of the University of Ilorin family and its history through this bond.”
Beyond her academic record, the Alumni President highlighted Prof. Durosaro’s contributions to society through research, teaching and mentorship. He commended her humility and commitment to excellence, adding that she has continued to inspire students, colleagues and the wider community. “Today, we are not simply celebrating retirement, we are celebrating a life of scholarship, excellence and humility. A woman whose love and dedication have left an indelible mark on the university and beyond,” Prof. Kilani concluded.
Other speakers at the event paid glowing tributes to Prof. Durosaro, describing her as an exceptional leader, achiever, goal-getter, woman of humility and resilience, problem solver, promoter of gender advocacy and an astute educational manager.
They noted that she taught beyond the classroom, positively transforming and impacting many lives both within and outside the University community.
Among those present at the event were Prof. U. B. Eke; Prof. Mary O. Esere; and Prof. Florence Adeoti, among others.
