By Mustafa Abubakar and Tajudeen Babamale
The Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN, has urged newly matriculated students of the University to deliberately set clear goals and clearly define what they intend to achieve with the admission opportunity they have secured.
Prof. Egbewole made the call while delivering his address titled “Design, Invest and Win Your Future Now” at the Matriculation Ceremony for newly admitted students of the University, held last Tuesday (December 16, 2025) at the Multipurpose Hall.
Describing the matriculation as a defining moment in the lives of the students, the Vice Chancellor congratulated them on securing admission into what he referred to as a highly competitive and prestigious institution. He noted that their presence in the University was the product of hard work, resilience, and determination, stressing that the opportunity must be valued and maximised.
The Professor of Jurisprudence and International Law disclosed that out of 34,177 candidates who were prequalified for admission, only 10,166 were eventually admitted, meaning that, just one out of every three candidates secured a place. According to him, this statistics affirmed the rarity of the opportunity and the need for the students to approach their academic journey with seriousness and purpose.
The Vice Chancellor further urged the students to acknowledge the role of divine grace in their success, noting that students being admitted into the University of Ilorin may once have seemed like a distant dream. He said the present moment calls for deliberate thinking about the kind of future they desire and conscious efforts to turn long-held dreams into reality.
Prof. Egbewole explained that his message to the students was anchored on three critical elements: setting goals right, investing meaningfully in one’s vision, and taking decisive action. He observed that while many people think about the future, only a few take intentional steps to control and shape it, adding that clear distinctions would emerge among students by the end of their programmes based on the choices they make.
He urged the students to explore the power of setting clear goals and defining what they intend to achieve, both academically and in life generally. According to him, the University provides several platforms for students to excel and express themselves fully, beyond classroom activities.
While highlighting some of the value-added initiatives of the University, Prof. Egbewole mentioned U-INSPIRE and structured training in the use and application of Artificial Intelligence, designed to equip students with relevant skills for the future. He advised the students to prioritise their goals based on importance, align them with their core values, and focus on those that would have the greatest impact on their lives.
The Vice Chancellor also stressed the importance of mentorship and positive influence, urging the students to carefully select their circle of friends and be deliberate about the groups, clubs, and associations they join. He cautioned them against postponing excellence, advising that they should not wait until their final year to aspire for a first-class degree but should begin tracking their academic progress from their first day in the University.
As he welcomed the students to the University of Ilorin, Prof. Egbewole expressed optimism that he would see them on graduation day, fulfilled, successful, and celebrating their achievements. He encouraged the students to seize the moment, take control of their lives, and turn their dreams into reality.
