By Mustafa Abubakar
Members of the Year 2000 of the Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Technology Alumni of the University of Ilorin have donated assorted engineering materials to the Department as part of activities marking their 25th anniversary of graduation.
The donation was presented during a homecoming programme organised by the alumni to celebrate their silver jubilee and to reaffirm commitment to the growth and development of the Department last Wednesday (December 16, 2025) at the Departmental Seminar Room.
In his welcome remarks, the Dean of the Faculty, Prof. Joshua Olaoye, represented by Prof. A. S. Akinkunle, welcomed the alumni and commended their spirit of remembrance, noting that the Faculty remains proud of their individual and collective achievements. He encouraged them to sustain their bond with the Department and continue contributing to its academic and infrastructural advancement.
Speaking during the visit, the alumni took turns to express their happiness and appreciation for the opportunities the Department provided for them beyond the walls of the classroom.
Speaking, Mr Tajudeen Jimoh said that he was grateful to the University of Ilorin for the solid academic foundation and discipline instilled in him during their undergraduate years, noting that the values acquired in the Department of Mechanical Engineering continue to shape their professional lives; he described the donation as a mark of appreciation and encouraged current students to remain focused, hardworking, and worthy ambassadors of the University.
On his own, Mr Olodan Salami reflected on the rigour of the Mechanical Engineering programme, describing it as a defining experience that prepared graduates for professional challenges; he stated that the donation symbolised responsibility and commitment, stressing that sustained alumni engagement would strengthen academic development and industry relevance.
Mr Olufowobi Adekunle commended the University Management for the remarkable infrastructural and academic improvements witnessed within the Faculty, describing the transformation since 2001 as impressive; he reaffirmed the alumni’s commitment to supporting the Department through mentorship, donations, and professional guidance.
Appreciating the members of the “Millennium 2000” set, the President of the UNILORIN Alumni Association, Prof. Abdulrazaq Olubusuyi Kilani, who was represented by the Association’s National Organising Secretary, Dr Hussein Dasilva, expressed delight to have them back on campus.
He urged them to join the train of the Alumni and be part of the commendable steady academic and infrastructural progress in the University.
While commending the alumni, the Head of the Department of Mechanical Engineering, Prof. Habeeb Ajimotokan, expressed deep appreciation to the “Millionaire 2000” Engineering graduates for the generous donation and sustained commitment to the Department, describing the gesture as timely and impactful, and noting that the donated items would enhance teaching, learning, and practical training for students.
He assured the alumni that the items would be judiciously utilised and calling for continued collaboration in mentorship, research support, and industry linkage to further strengthen the Department as he added that the Department remains committed to producing highly skilled engineers who will excel on global platforms.
The highlight of the event was the interactions between alumni and students, lecturers and friends of the alumni, and a renewed pledge to strengthen the bond between the University and its Mechanical Engineering alumni.
