Aluko seeks more budgetary allocation to varsities
By Abubakar Imam
The Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of the University of Ilorin, Surveyor Abiodun Jacob Aluko, has appealed to the Federal Government to increase the quantum of funding for research in the nation’s tertiary education institutions.
The Pro-Chancellor made the call in his address at the 41st convocation ceremonies of the University held last Wednesday (October 21, 2026) at the University Auditorium.
Surveyor Aluko, who is a former Deputy Governor of Ekiti State, described research as the engine of development, adding that no nation can develop beyond the level of research conducted in its universities.
The Pro-Chancellor also expressed satisfaction with the sustained intervention of TETFund in infrastructure and research as well as the Nigeria Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), which, he said, had brought great relief to thousands of students.
He specifically commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, on his remarkable achievements and reforms aimed at transforming the nation’s education sector.
The former Deputy Governor also praised the leadership qualities of the Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN, which, he said, has accounted for the increasing quality of service delivery available at the University.
He said that the University has recorded tremendous progress as a result of the contributions of hardworking staff members and industrious students of the University.
Surveyor Aluko also commended the prevailing harmony across campuses of the nation’s universities.
He explained that the harmonious relationship between University authorities and staff unions has maintained the academic calendar of the Universities for almost two years without disruption.
He also thanked the Governor of Kwara State, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, CON for his support to the University as he appreciated the fraternity of the people of Kwara State for the University over the years.
Addressing the graduands, Surveyor Aluko advised them to make good use of the training they received from the University to facilitate national progress and development.
