The Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, (SAN), has emphasised the importance of integrity among institutions affiliated with the University, declaring that all such institutions must uphold UNILORIN’s core values.
Prof. Egbewole stated this last Monday (April 7, 2025) while declaring open a three-day Capacity-Building Training Workshop organised by the Centre for Affiliated Institutions (CAI) for the 16 institutions affiliated to the University.
The Vice Chancellor pointed out that integrity, being the foremost of the University’s core values, must be reflected in all activities and practices of its affiliated institutions, saying that since students from affiliated institutions graduate with certificates bearing the name of the University of Ilorin, the same standards of learning and character must be expected and enforced.
He noted that there should be no distinction in quality between students from the University and those from its affiliated institutions, stressing that “whatever operates in our university should operate in your institutions as well”.
He added that “at the end of the day, no one will be able to tell the difference between your students and those of the University of Ilorin”.
Prof. Egbewole also highlighted the importance of quality assurance mechanisms, particularly in teaching delivery, student assessment, and examination invigilation, as key components for sustaining academic integrity.
He said, “We are putting a spotlight on the certificates your students are taking away. We want to ensure that the quality of delivery, the standard of assessments, and the level of invigilation during examinations in your institutions reflect the standards we uphold at the University of Ilorin”.
Prof. Egbewole appreciated the Director of the Centre, Prof. Yahya Oyewole Imam, for organising the Workshop, noting that such platforms are essential for repositioning both the University and its affiliates to meet emerging challenges in the education sector.
He expressed hope that participants at the Workshop would identify critical issues that would further enhance the relationship between the University and its affiliates, and eventually develop a blueprint to serve as a guide for continuous cooperation and shared success.
Earlier in his speech, the Director of the Centre for Affiliated Institutions (CAI), Prof. Imam, noted that the idea of the capacity-building workshop was not originally part of the Centre’s agenda, but rather a proactive response to the observations he made when he assumed office as Director.
Prof. Imam explained that the workshop was designed to address operational gaps that had hindered the efficient and effective functioning of the Centre, particularly in aligning the practices of affiliated institutions with the standards of the University of Ilorin.
The Director emphasised the importance of harmonising academic and administrative processes across all affiliated institutions, noting that students from these institutions graduate with degrees awarded by the University of Ilorin. Therefore, he said, they must be trained and assessed according to the same high standards.
Prof. Imam expressed optimism that the workshop would provide a platform to address these challenges, foster a shared understanding of expectations, and build a roadmap for improved synergy between the University and its affiliates.
Speakers at the workshop included the former Director, Centre for Affiliated Institutions, University of Ilorin, who is now the Provost of the Federal College of Education, Iwo, Osun State, Prof. R. I. Adebayo; another former Director of the Centre, Prof. Abfulrafi’i Oyewumi Omotosho; the Dean, Faculty of Education, Prof. Lasiele A. Yahaya; Prof. Afolake Nafisat Adedokun-Shittu of the Department of Educational Technology; the Ag. Head of the Department of Arabic and Transnational Studies, Dr Hassanat Funmilayo Abubakar; the Deputy Director of the Academic Planning Unit, Mr Gidado Abdulrasheed Dauda; and Mrs Shade Aduloju of the Academic Support Services Unit. Also in attendance were the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Management Services,) Prof. Adegboyega Adisa Fawole; the Registrar and Secretary to Council, Mr Mansur Adeleke Alfanla;the University Liberian, Prof. Kamaldeen Omopupa; and the University Bursar, Mr Abiodun Lawal, who was represented by a Deputy Bursar, Mr Muhammed Akanbi.
