By Tajudeen Babamale
The Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN, has commended the Committee of Provost and Deans (CoPD) in the University for being a reliable and dependable partner in the continuous advancement of the University.
Prof. Egbewole made this remark last Tuesday (December 16, 2025) while speaking at a Get-Together Lunch organised by the CoPD in honour of members who recently concluded their tenures of office.
Represented by the former Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture, Prof. Oluyemisi Fawole, the Vice Chancellor said the University Management fully understands and appreciates the critical role played by the Deans in the governance and day-to-day administration of the institution, noting that they serve as the representatives of the Vice Chancellor in their respective Faculties, the Postgraduate School and the Student Affairs Division.
He, however, reaffirmed Management’s commitment to providing increased support to the Committee of Provost and Deans, stressing that Management has always been happy to work with the body in pursuing the University’s vision and mission.
He thanked the outgone Deans for their sacrifices, commitment, love and passion in making the University of Ilorin better, and assured them that Management would continue to work closely with the CoPD to further position the University for greater achievements.
In his welcome address, the Provost of the College of Health Sciences and Chairman of the Committee of Provost and Deans (CoPD), Prof. Biodun Sulyman Alabi, appreciated the Vice Chancellor, for providing an enabling environment,which allows the Committee to function effectively in advancing the goals of the University.
Prof. Alabi noted that the confidence reposed in the CoPD by the Vice Chancellor and Management has strengthened the Committee’s role as a critical link between the University Administration, Principal Officers, staff and students.
The Provost paid special tribute to the immediate past Deans, whom he described as pillars of support to the University in critical areas such as the preparation of the academic calendar, effective functioning of the Welfare Committee, and contributions to the CCMAS Technical Support Group. He noted that members of the Committee worked tirelessly, selflessly and without any personal agenda, always responding promptly to Management whenever called upon.
Prof. Alabi, however, used the occasion to make several requests, including the sustenance of support and confidence in the CoPD, sponsorship of at least one academic conference for each CoPD member within their two-year tenure, replacement of project vehicles across all Faculties, recruitment of both academic and non-teaching staff, and the provision of dedicated IT support staff for all Faculties.
Earlier in his remarks, the Chairman of the Welfare Sub-Committee of the (CoPD), Prof. Rotimi Olusanya Arise, paid glowing tributes to the former Deans, describing them as architects of excellence in their respective Faculties and mentors who have positively shaped the lives of countless students.
Prof. Arise commended both the current members and the immediate past members of the Committee for their collective commitment to academic leadership and institutional development, noting that their contributions have laid a solid foundation upon which others can continue to build.
He specifically appreciated the Chairman of the CoPD, Prof. Biodun Sulyman Alabi and the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN, for fostering a collegial and inclusive environment where ideas are encouraged, nurtured and celebrated. He said that such an atmosphere had strengthened teamwork and effectiveness within the Committee.
Responding on behalf of his colleagues, the immediate past Dean of the Faculty of Education, Prof. Lasiele Alabi Yahaya, expressed appreciation to the Chairman and all current members of the CoPD for considering them worthy of celebration after their years of service to the University as he described the honour as a rare and meaningful gesture, noting that it reflects a culture of recognition and appreciation within the University community.
He applauded all academic and non-teaching staff across the various Faculties for their unwavering support, cooperation and understanding throughout the tenures of the outgone Deans.
According to him, the achievements recorded in the Faculties would not have been possible without the collective efforts and sacrifices of staff members who worked diligently behind the scenes.
Prof. Yahaya also paid special tributes to the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN, who he described as a visionary leader. He commended the Vice Chancellor’s inclusive leadership style, support for academic leadership and firm belief in teamwork, which, he said, created an enabling environment for the Deans to discharge their responsibilities effectively.
