By Mustafa Abubakar, Issac Lewu, Eunice Ajayi and Toluwani Bamigboye
The Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN, has charged the 550 graduating Engineering students to see themselves as change agents who will help transform Nigeria through innovation, professionalism, and ethical conduct.
Prof. Egbewole made the call last Wednesday (October 15, 2025), at the 2024/2025 Graduate Membership Induction Ceremony of the Faculty of Engineering and Technology.
The occasion also showcased 10 first-class students from each of the Departments, had Kayode Elizabeth Omolara of the Civil Engineering Department emerging with a 4.95 CGPA.
The Vice Chancellor commended the inductees for their hard work and determination throughout their academic journey.
He congratulated them for burning the midnight candle and successfully meeting the requirements for induction into the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE).
Prof. Egbewole expressed delight at the milestone and urged the inductees to reflect on three important questions: why they chose to study Engineering, what they have done to get to this point, and what their future goals are.
He said the time had come for them to be practical problem-solvers who will change the narrative of the nation.
The Vice Chancellor emphasised that Nigeria is faced with numerous challenges and that the engineering profession remains central to the nation’s development.
“If the narrative must be changed, the change must begin with you. You must see yourselves as professionals permanently seeking solutions to societal problems,” he said.
Prof. Egbewole added that he had no doubt the graduating engineers would excel in their chosen fields.
In his presentation, the Guest Speaker, Dr Michael Ayodele Omodara, who is also an alumnus of the Faculty and the Assistant Director, Research and Head, Post-Harvest Engineering Research Department, Nigerian Stored Products Research Institute (NSPRI),Ilorin, reminded the new engineers that their journey requires passion, dedication, and continuous self-development.
He outlined pathways for engineering careers in academia, industry, and public service, emphasising that success depends on competence, innovation, and ethics.
“Becoming the engineer you want to be is a journey, not a destination. Professional development is the key to unlocking the peak of your engineering career,” he said.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Dean of the Faculty, Prof. Joshua Olanrewaju Olaoye, congratulated the graduating engineers for reaching a defining milestone in their academic and professional journey.
He appreciated the unwavering support of the Vice Chancellor and commended the Nigerian Society of Engineers for its enduring partnership with the University in shaping young professionals.
Prof. Olaoye noted that the day’s theme was both timely and significant, urging the graduates to embrace adaptability, innovation, and continuous learning.
He advised them to uphold the eight core ethics of the profession; competence, integrity, public safety, sustainability, confidentiality, respect, accountability, and commitment to excellence.
