AbdulRaheem, ex-UNILORIN VC, gets national assignment
By Abubakar Imam
In recognition of his outstanding leadership qualities and infectious statesmanship, the sixth Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof. Shuaibu Oba AbdulRaheem, OFR, has been appointed as a Member of the Council of the Wise.
The Council, which is a brain child of the Centre for Diplomacy, Democracy and Development (SCDDD), is chaired by a retired Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Tajudeen Olukayode Ariwoola, GCON. The Council was recently inaugurated in Abuja by the Former Chief of Staff to the late President Muhammadu Buhari and founder of the SCDDD, Prof. Ibrahim Agboola Gambari.
The reconstituted Council, is charged with the responsibility of helping to create a conducive atmosphere for peaceful, free, fair and credible elections in 2027. It comprises of eminent Nigerians drawn from diplomacy, academia, governance, civil society, media and the creative industry.
Other members of the Council are a veteran actress, Mrs Joke Silva; a former Ambassador, Mr Godknows Igali; and a governance expert, Mr Tunji Lardner.
Others include a Peace Advocate, Mrs Ummu Kalthum Muhammad; a retired diplomat, Ambassador Abdulaziz Dankano; a renowned academic, Prof. Abdullahi Shehu Yibaikwal and National President of the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities, Mr Abdullahi Aliyu Usman.
As part of its mandate, the Council is expected to engage President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Ojo Amupitan, SAN; the President’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila; the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, leadership of political parties as well as other critical stakeholders ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Meanwhile, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN, has celebrated the appointment of Prof. AbdulRaheem as a Member of the Council.
In a statement issued by the University’s Director of Corporate Affairs, Mr Kunle Akogun, the Vice Chancellor described the appointment of Prof. AbdulRaheem, who headed the better by far University from 1997 to 2002, as a well-deserved one.
Prof. Egbewole explained that the appointment is a recognition of the fascinating leadership qualities of the former Vice Chancellor as he also described Prof. AbdulRaheem as a distinguished elder-statesman.
While congratulating the former Vice Chancellor, who is also the Talba of Ilorin and Pro-Chancellor of three universities, Prof. Egbewole said that the former Vice Chancellor has all it would take to discharge the responsibilities expected of him beyond expectations.
The Vice Chancellor wished Prof. AbdulRaheem and other members of the Council a very peaceful and rewarding tenure.
