Egbewole charts lofty future for UNILORIN
By Tajudeen Babamale
The Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN, has unveiled an inspiring and ambitious roadmap for the institution’s next fifty years as he called on all stakeholders to recommit to excellence, innovation, and global leadership.
Prof. Egbewole declared this ambition last Thursday (November 27, 2025) in a welcome address, titled “From a Sturdy Past to a Lofty Future: Sustaining UNILORIN’s Niche in the Global Academia”, delivered during the grand finale of the University’s 50th Anniversary celebrations, held at the University Auditorium.
He declared that although the University’s past is sturdy, its future must be even loftier as he restated his Administration’s commitment to ensuring that UNILORIN remains “Better by Far,”. He expressed confidence that succeeding administrations will uphold the mantra as the University continues its ascent toward greater global impact and excellence.
Prof. Egbewole, who is also the Secretary-General of the Association of West African Universities (AWAU), stressed that the next era demands creative, digital, and AI-aligned approaches to teaching and learning, pointing out that the University has already developed a responsible academic AI policy to guide this evolution.
While stating that sustaining UNILORIN’s niche in the global academic landscape requires intentional and strategic focus, the Vice Chancellor highlighted plans to scale up research impact through enhanced grant-writing support, increased seed funding, and expanded interdisciplinary platforms addressing pressing global challenges such as renewable energy, climate change, sustainable development, digital health, and food security. He added that the University will intensify efforts to incentivise patents, spin-offs, and commercialisation to convert research outputs into real-world solutions.
Prof. Egbewole, who also serves as the Vice President (West Africa) of the Association of African Universities (AAU), stated that global partnerships remain central to the next phase of UNILORIN’s development. He said, the University intends to deepen international collaborations through expanded exchange programmes, joint research laboratories, and centres of excellence with highly ranked institutions worldwide. He noted that, these efforts will enhance the University’s visibility and strengthen its global diversity.
The Vice Chancellor urged all stakeholders including students, staff, alumni, partners, and the host community—to join hands in shaping a bold future for the University. While encouraging alumni to return, invest, mentor, and strengthen their ties with the institution, He urged the students to dream big and lead courageously; as he called on staff and faculty to continue nurturing innovation and excellence. He also appealed to government, industry, and development partners to help bridge the gap between research outputs and practical societal needs as a collective effort in driving progress.
On his part, the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of the University of Ilorin, Surveyor Jacob Abiodun Aluko, noted with pride that the institution, which began in 1975 with only 200 pioneer students, has grown into a thriving academic community of more than 50,000 learners.
While reflecting on the institution’s remarkable transformation, the Pro-Chancellor recalled that the vast space that was once thick bush five decades ago has evolved into a vibrant community of intellectuals and nation builders.
Surveyor Aluko, however, said those that are privileged to be at the helm of affairs during the golden jubilee are exceptionally fortunate, as their names will be etched in history in gold for stewarding the University at such a defining moment.
Stylish Anniversary Walk heralds UNILORIN’s 50th anniversary celebrations
By Tajudeen Babamale
The week-long Golden Jubilee celebrations of the University of Ilorin kicked off on Monday (November 24, 2025) with a stylish Anniversary Walk that drew an impressive turnout of staff, students, alumni, and friends of the institution.
Flagging off the event at the Main Gate of the University, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN, expressed appreciation to members of the University community for coming out in large numbers, describing their participation as an affirmation of their commitment to the growth and ideals of the institution
He noted that the Golden Jubilee is designed to highlight the University’s impact, draw attention to its achievements over the past five decades, and reaffirm its readiness for future innovations.
Prof. Egbewole explained that the Walk also symbolised the University’s strong bond with its host community, emphasising that the institution remains an active and proud participant in the socio-economic development of Ilorin and Kwara State.
The Vice Chancellor also extended gratitude to development partners and friends of the University from across the world for their consistent support, which he said has contributed tremendously to the University’s growth and the success of the anniversary programme.
The Walk climaxed with a courtesy visit to the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji (Dr.) Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, CFR, in his palace.
