Campus News

Egbewole applauds UNILORIN student leadership

By Mustafa Abubakar

The Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN, has commended the leadership acumen of members of the institution’s 11th Students’ Parliament, describing them as catalysts for national development and societal transformation.

               Prof. Egbewole made the commendation last Friday (June 13, 2025) while speaking at the 2025 Students’ Parliamentary Summit organised by the University of Ilorin Students’ Union at the University Auditorium.

At the event, which was themed “Championing Change: Empowering Students as Catalysts for National Progress,” the Vice Chancellor was conferred with an award in recognition of his unwavering support for student leadership and youth development.

 In his address, Prof. Egbewole applauded the Ag. Dean of Student Affairs, Dr Alex Akanmu, the Senate President, and the entire student parliamentary assembly for their steadfastness in fostering peace and progress within  the University.

He described the summit’s theme as “timely and instructive,” stressing that student leadership must be driven by purpose, not ambition.

“The key question for every aspiring leader is: Why do you seek office? True leadership is not in titles, but in the ability to initiate, influence, and drive meaningful change,” he stated.

Highlighting stages of effective leadership, Prof. Egbewole urged student leaders to always exhibit the values in all their engagements.

He also expressed optimism that the next generation of student parliamentarians would sustain the tradition of maintaining peace and protecting the academic calendar.

He reaffirmed that the University of Ilorin remains the most sought-after in Nigeria, thanking the vibrant culture of student governance and the active participation of students in meaningful institutional development.

Delivering the keynote address, the Principal Partner, Iris Attorneys LP, Mr Ridwan Oke, charged Nigerian youths to embrace their role as agents of immediate change, not just future leaders.

“When empowered through quality education, leadership training, and access to innovative tools, students can spark meaningful changes across every sector of the society”, he said.

The keynote speaker, who is also an alumnus of the University, emphasised that Nigeria’s path to progress is incomplete without the involvement of its young people.

“Their voices must not only be heard but amplified. By integrating youth development into national policy and breaking systemic barriers, we are not just empowering students—we are securing Nigeria’s future,” he added.

In his goodwill message,  the Ag. Dean of Student Affairs, Dr Alex Akanmu, lauded the creativity and energy of the organisers, describing the parliamentary summit as a benchmark for purposeful student engagement.

He thanked the University management under the leadership of Prof. Egbewole for consistently supporting student-led initiatives and creating a conducive environment for youth leadership to thrive.

Dr  Akanmu also reminded students about the forthcoming Students’ Union elections as he encouraged aspiring candidates to begin preparations early.

Earlier in his welcome address, the Senate President of the 11th Assembly, Mr Samson Adeyanju Gbadamasi, expressed profound appreciation to the University management and his colleagues for their commitment and enthusiasm towards student leadership and academic excellence. He also acknowledged the unwavering support of the University Administration and praised the summit’s organising committee for their dedication and hard work.

Other dignitaries who attended the event included the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Management Services), Prof. Adegboyega Adisa Fawole; the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Research, Technology and Innovation), Prof. Muktar Etudaye; the Kwara State Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Ambassador Ndanusa Usman Shehu, who was represented by Mr Abdulkareem Abdulkareem; and the Students’ Union President,Mr Victor Agazeh, among others.