By Tajudeen Babamale
The Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN, has advised newly admitted students of the University to begin serious academic work from their first day on campus if they aspire to graduate with a First-Class degree.
Prof. Egbewole gave the counsel last Monday (November 17, 2025) during the Orientation Programme held at the University Auditorium for the fresh students.
While urging the new students to understand that academic excellence is built from the onset and not postponed until the final year, the Vice Chancellor explained that purposeful living is driven by timeliness, and that students who desire outstanding results must approach their studies with immediate commitment and long-term focus.
The Vice Chancellor expressed confidence in the potential of the new students and stated that he looks forward to celebrating their academic achievements at their convocation ceremonies, even after his tenure.
While telling the students that the University’s motto, Probitas Doctrina (Learning and Integrity), should guide their journey, Prof. Egbewole reiterated that a life of purpose must be grounded in integrity, honesty, and positive values, which will help shape their future beyond the University walls.
He urged the students to embrace service as a core part of their development, saying that graduating with a First Class should not be their only ambition. Instead, they should also seek to impact the University community by volunteering, supporting peers, and contributing to faculty and campus activities.
Speaking earlier, the Students’ Union President, Comrade Adelu Idris Ayomo, advised the fresh students to set their priorities right, noting that the environment they are stepping into will present diverse choices, some exciting and others demanding. He urged them to always remember their primary purpose of becoming innovative and truly Better by Far students.
Comrade Adelu added that their university experience should not be confined to lectures alone, describing the campus as a landscape of possibilities. He encouraged them to explore these opportunities positively and to engage only in constructive activities that will enhance their growth and development.
On his part, the Ag. Dean of Student Affairs, Dr Alex Morenikeji Akanmu, said the orientation programme was designed to sensitise newly admitted students on the dos and don’ts of campus life to ensure their stay is both positive and memorable.
Dr Akanmu, who explained the competitiveness of admission into the university, said of the over 50,000 candidates that chose UNILORIN, nearly 30,000 qualified for the post-UTME, but fewer than 11,000 were ultimately admitted. He stressed that admission into the institution is a privilege that should not be taken lightly, urging students to do everything humanly possible, within the law, to excel academically and graduate in flying colours.
