……Fahm, Folusho receive Researcher and Innovator of the Year Awards
By Mustafa Abubakar and Abubakar Abdulquadri
The management of the University of Ilorin has conferred merit awards on 54 outstanding members of staff in recognition of their selfless services and invaluable contributions to the growth and development of the institution.
The colourful ceremony, which marked the 16th Annual Merit Award and Recognition programme and served as the grand finale of the 40th Convocation Ceremonies, was held last Thursday (October 23, 2025) at the University Multipurpose Hall.
In his opening remarks, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN, lauded both the academic and non-teaching staff of the institution for their dedication, resilience, and sacrifices towards sustaining the University’s enviable reputation.
He described the event as a demonstration of management’s deep appreciation for the invaluable roles played by staff in the progress of the institution, noting that “to whom much is given, much is expected.”
Prof. Egbewole urged the staff to continue to uphold the University’s tradition of excellence and hard work, assuring them that the management will remain committed to recognising and rewarding diligence, innovation, and moral integrity.
He also commended the Award Committee for sustaining the initiative, describing the Merit Award as one of the most enduring and inspiring traditions in the University’s culture of excellence.
“This is who we are. A University that values merit, honours dedication, and remains Better by Far,” he affirmed.
The award categories covered all sections of the University community, including retired professors, researchers, innovators, and both academic and non-teaching staff, as well as the Overall Best Graduating Student.
Among the honourees are the former Vice Chancellor, Prof. Is-haq Olanrewaju Oloyede, alongside other distinguished scholars and administrators who have left indelible marks on the institution.
They are Prof. Adekunle Bashiru Okesina, Prof. Rhoda Olape Oduwaiye, Prof. Onimisi Ekuh Abdullahi, Prof. Enoch A. Afolayan, Prof. Ayodele Babatunde Omotoso, Prof. Emmanuel Oti Okoro, Prof. Ayodele Jimoh, Prof. Ayotunde Francis Oyelade, Prof. Sidikat Laraba Fola Adeyemi, Prof. Yunus Adebunmi Fasasi, Prof. Chukwuemeka Joachim Ejieji, and Prof. D. O. Durosaro.
Others are Dr AbdulGafar Olawale Fahm of the Department of Religions, who won the Researcher of the Year Award, Dr Folusho Bankole of the Department of Agronomy, who emerged as the Innovator of the Year.
Dr O. M. Alabi and Mrs Hellen Titilayo Olowoseye were recognised as Quality Assurance Ambassadors for their exemplary commitment to standards and service delivery.
Other awardees included members of the University’s senior and junior non-teaching categories, Departmental staff, and the Overall Best Graduating Student, Miss Kayode Elizabeth Omolara of the Department of Civil Engineering, who achieved a CGPA of 4.95.
Earlier in his address, the Pro-Chancellor, and Chairman of Council Surv. Abiodun Aluko, commended the University management for the laudable initiative, describing it as a noble step that promotes diligence and motivation among staff.
He congratulated the awardees and encouraged others to aspire for similar recognition in future editions as the University prepares for its golden jubilee celebrations.
The Registrar, Mr Mansur Adeleke Alfanla, in his remarks, explained that the Merit Award scheme began about 15 years ago as part of management’s effort targeted at appreciating long-serving and dedicated staff.
Mr Alfanla noted that the awards recognise excellence among retired professors, top-performing researchers and innovators, as well as outstanding non-teaching staff and students who have excelled academically.
The Chairman of the Ceremonials Committee, Prof. Adisa Adegboyega Fawole, who is also the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Management Services), expressed gratitude to God for the success of both the Merit Award and the 40th Convocation Ceremonies
for their efforts.
The event was graced by top University officials, including Principal Officers, Deans, Directors, Heads of Departments, retired professors, and other members of the University community.
