An alumnus of the Department of Physiology, University of Ilorin, Mr Luqman Olanrewaju Basheer, has commended the University on producing countless exceptional alumni who have significantly advanced national and human development over the past 50 years.

Mr Basheer stated this last Monday (December 30, 2024) when he  visited the Director of Corporate Affairs, University of Ilorin, Mr Kunle Akogun, in his office.

While expressing his pride and joy in being an alumnus of the nation’s most sought-after University, Mr Basheer, who is the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to a Member of the House of Representatives representing Asa/Ilorin West Federal Constituency, Hon. Mukhtar Tolani Shagaya, explained that his visit to the University was for sightseeing.

He explained that he only decided to stop by the Directorate to express his admiration for the remarkable physical infrastructural development and other organic achievements attained by the University especially after his graduation.

Mr Basheer, who graduated from the University in 2017, added that the institution has become more populated, more beautiful and more famous than it was during his days at the institution’s College of Health Sciences.

He reminisced about how he and his peers at the University were shaped not only academically but also in character, emphasising that graduates of the institution consistently excel anywhere they find themselves.

Speaking on how he found himself serving as a media professional despite being a medical expert by training, Mr Basheer said that the training he received at the University of Ilorin also prepared him to do what he is currently doing, pointing out that like many others, the University shaped him to contribute meaningfully to the society.  

He further explained that although he has been pursuing additional qualifications in public communication, the comprehensive training provided by the University equips its students to excel as versatile professionals and well-rounded individuals.

He, therefore, charged current students of the University to face their studies squarely and make effective use of the training and facilities available at the University to build their careers in any field of human endeavours after school.

On the forthcoming golden jubilee of the University, Mr Basheer said that alumni of the University in all walks of life are prepared to play one significant role or the other during the celebration.

He explained that most of his colleagues whom he had been interacting with since the University unveiled its plans to celebrate the milestone are looking forward to the series of events that would be scheduled to mark the event.

Mr Basheer assured his host and the University authorities that he would join in the efforts to mobilise for massive participation in the celebration by the alumni and members of the general public.

The Special Adviser later presented a copy of his book, titled “Effective Guide To Becoming a Public Speaking Star” to his host for the Directorate’s Library.

Responding, Mr Akogun, who was represented by the Deputy Editor, UNILORIN Bulletin, Mr Abubakar Imam, thanked Mr Basheer for the visit.

He also commended him for identifying with the University and for his kind words as he enjoined other alumni of the University to always find time to visit their alma mater, saying that such a visit would motivate staff and students to work harder.

Mr Akogun also thanked him for the book he donated, which he said would assist staff of the Directorate in the discharge of their services.

The Director was joined to receive the Special Adviser by the Production Editor of UNILORIN Bulletin, Mr Mustafa Abubakar, and the new Chairman of the UNILORIN FM Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Mr Tijani Adewoyin.