By Tajudeen Babamale and Bashir Dawodu

The Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN, has commended the University Alumni Association on sustaining peace and unity among its members.

Prof. Egbewole gave this commendation last Wednesday (November 5, 2025) while declaring open the public lecture and award ceremony organised by the Association in commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the University. The colourful event was held at the Banquet Hall, Opposite Government House, Ilorin.

Represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic), Prof. Moji Taibat Bakare-Odunola, Prof. Egbewole congratulated the Alumni Association on its efforts in fostering harmony among its members, describing unity as the bedrock of development.

While observing that Alumni Associations play crucial roles in the life of any university, serving as a strong network engine that connects students, graduates, and the institution itself, the Vice Chancellor said the body is an important source of financial support through fund-raising initiatives, as well as a key player in promoting the global image and reputation of the University.

Prof. Egbewole urged members of the Association to remain proud ambassadors of the University and to continue mentoring new graduates.

 He appreciated the Association for its steadfast support to his administration and for consistently upholding and promoting the University’s “Better by Far” image.

In his welcome address, the National President of the Association, Prof. Abdulrasaq Olubusiyi Kilani, appealed to all alumni of the University across the globe to contribute generously towards the institution’s N50 billion endowment fund, which is aimed at driving strategic infrastructural and developmental projects.

According to Prof. Kilani, the endowment fund is targeted at critical projects that will enhance the University’s growth and global competitiveness, which include the establishment of a Transcript Hub to provide a one-stop transcript processing system, the development of an Innovation Hub to serve as an iconic 50th-anniversary legacy project, the construction of a Solar Farm to make the University self-sufficient in energy generation, the expansion of the water supply system through upgraded infrastructure, the improvement of the University’s transport system, and the upgrading of teaching and learning facilities to maintain Unilorin’s leadership position among Nigerian universities.

Prof. Kilani noted that the 50th anniversary of the University represents more than just a commemoration of physical growth; as it symbolises the spirit, resilience, and excellence that define the University of Ilorin community.

He added that the milestone offers an opportunity for reflection on past achievements, appreciation of present successes, and commitment to an even brighter future.

In his address, the Keynote Speaker and Vice Chancellor of the Federal University, Lokoja, Prof. Olayemi Akinwumi, urged alumni of the University of Ilorin to remain united beyond religious and ethnic differences in order to contribute meaningfully to the transformation of Nigeria.

Prof. Akinwumi  stressed that unity among graduates of the institution is crucial for national development.

He said that all his achievements in life could be traced back to the University of Ilorin, which he described as an inclusive institution with competent management, a culture of embracing people with physical challenges and foreigners, and home to the largest man-made forest in Nigeria.

“Let us not expand only in numbers but also in excellence. UNILORIN is ready to transform individuals and the nation,” he said.

In her own address, the Vice Chancellor of the Kwara State University of Education, Ilorin,  Prof. Medinat Folorunso Salman, who spoke on the theme :“The Impact of Education: How University Education Shaped Our Lives and Careers,” said that the University of Ilorin is more than a place of learning, it is an institution that produces graduates who embody transformation wherever they go.

Prof. Salman, who is also an alumna of the University, reminded fellow alumni of their “three sacred commitments”, to themselves, to their alma mater, and to the nation and the world at large.

She urged them to give back by establishing scholarships for struggling students, funding research that addresses national challenges, and creating global opportunities for the younger generation.

In his remarks, the Vice Chancellor of Al-Hikmah University, Ilorin, Prof. Lateef Folorunsho Oladimeji, who was represented by a former Deputy Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof. A.O. Raji, encouraged alumni to be exemplary figures for current students.

He also advised them to reconnect with their alma mater and to build meaningful networks, describing networking as one of life’s most essential tools.

The event also featured the presentation of awards to distinguished alumni, including Dr Ahmed Yinka Aluko, a Deputy Inspector General of Police, Mr Adebola Ayinde Hamzat; the Speaker of the Kwara State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Yakubu Danladi Salihu; the House Leader, Hon. Oba Magaji Abdulkadir; and the Ag Chief of Staff to the Kwara State Governor, Mrs Adebukola R. Babalola.

Dignitaries at the event included  Principal Officers of the University, Deans, Vice Chancellors of sister universities, alumni, and well-wishers.