A Profile in Firsts
Prof. Egbewole’s elevation to the Body of Benchers adds to an impressive record of pioneering achievements: He made history in 2022 as the first Senior Advocate of Nigeria to become Vice Chancellor in the University. As a Professor of Jurisprudence and International Law, he has mentored generations of lawyers, reformed legal education, and projected the University onto the global stage through his relentless pursuit of the internationalisation drive.
A Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), the highest rank attainable by a legal practitioner in Nigeria, Prof. Egbewole is a former Dean of the Faculty of Law, where he championed curriculum reform. He is also a prolific scholar and consummate administrator, with service records in numerous national and international bodies.
His tenure as Vice Chancellor has been marked by a commitment to academic excellence, infrastructural renewal, cutting edge research endeavours, and global visibility for the University.
The elevation of Prof. Egbewole to the Body of Benchers has far-reaching implications for the University of Ilorin. Having a sitting Vice Chancellor on the Body of Benchers invariably raises the profile of the University nationally and internationally. It is an unmistakable signal that UNILORIN is led by scholars who are not only administrators but also thought leaders in their fields. This is a veritable boost to institutional prestige!
The appointment is particularly a boost to legal education in the University. It is a direct inspiration for its Faculty of Law whose students and staff now have an iconic role model at the very apex of legal regulation, further reinforcing the Faculty’s standing as one of the best in Nigeria.
In the area of town and gown relationship, the appointment places the University at the intersection of academia and legal practice, creating opportunities for partnerships, internships, and policy influence.
Prof. Egbewole’s leadership at the University of Ilorin is steadily delivering visible gains such as stronger international linkages, renewed focus on research, a more intentional institutional visibility, and sustained stability in the academic calendar. Now, with a seat at the Body of Benchers, the influence of the Vice Chancellor would extend even further.
Since the news of the appointment broke penultimate week, it has been excitement galore across the University community, with several staff, students, and alumni describing it as “well-deserved”.
Of particular interest to Town & Gown are the flowery encomiums poured on Prof. Egbewole by members of the Consortium of Kwara Universities (Ku8+), which he helped form in 2023, and the Chairman of which he has been since its formation.
In separate congratulatory messages sent to the latest distinguished Bencher, the KU8+ chieftains variously hailed Prof. Egbewole’s appointment as “a remarkable honour”, “a recognition of erudition, versatility, and deep-rooted expertise in the law profession”, and “a fitting recognition of sterling credentials”, among other flowery epithets.
In one of the most dramatic tributes, one of the KU8+ Vice Chancellors said, “At this point, one begins to wonder if there is any distinguished honour that has not found its way to Prof. Egbewole”, adding that “this latest recognition feels less like a breaking news and more like a natural progression, as though excellence simply continues to follow Egbewole’s lead.”
Prof. Egbewole’s appointment to the Body of Benchers is more than a personal honour. It is another first in a career of firsts, and a major boost to the image of the University of Ilorin. It reaffirms that excellence, when consistently pursued, earns national recognition. As the University continues its march towards greater global relevance, the Vice Chancellor’s new role ensures that the voice of UNILORIN will be heard at the highest table of Nigeria’s legal profession.
Bravo, to our iconic VC!
