By Isaac Lewu

The Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN, has called for stronger academic and research collaboration between the University and Mykolas Romeris University (MRU), Lithuania, stressing that institutional partnerships should be driven by professionalism, mutual learning and the adoption of global best practices.

Prof. Egbewole stated this last Thursday (June 4, 2026) in his office while receiving a delegation of scholars from MRU as part of their visit to the University.

The Vice Chancellor explained that exchanges between both institutions should focus on identifying and adapting best practices capable of improving systems, processes and academic outcomes in the two universities.

Prof. Egbewole expressed appreciation to the leadership of MRU for sustaining the partnership, noting that the relationship should extend beyond staff and student exchanges. He urged researchers from both institutions to actively explore areas of common interest and develop collaborative research projects that would advance knowledge and address societal challenges.

The legal luminary also encouraged both universities to consider organising joint conferences and publishing joint academic journals as practical avenues for strengthening scholarly engagement, adding that such initiatives would provide opportunities for academics to share ideas, showcase research findings and expand the global visibility of both institutions.

The Vice Chancellor further directed that a communication platform be created to ensure continuous interaction among stakeholders from the two universities. He expressed optimism about visiting MRU in the future to deepen the collaboration and urged the visiting scholars to become ambassadors of the University of Ilorin by getting to know the institution beyond their perception of Nigeria and sharing their experiences with others.

In his response, the Director of the Centre for Internationalisation and Strategic Partnership, University of Ilorin, Prof. Lateef Onireti Ibraheem, who led the delegation to the Vice Chancellor’s office noted that the  deliberate commitment of  the University to internationalisation has significantly enhanced its global visibility and strengthened its reputation as a leading academic institution. He explained that through strategic collaborations and exchange programmes, members of staff have been exposed to diverse academic cultures, innovative research practices and modern teaching methodologies.

The Director added that the partnerships have yielded immense benefits for the University of Ilorin, attracting scholars, researchers and academic institutions from different parts of the world. According to him, such engagements have fostered knowledge sharing, capacity building and the development of sustainable academic networks capable of advancing teaching, research and community service.

The visiting scholars, the Head of the International Office, Mrs Audra Dargytė Burokienė; the Head of the International Partnerships Unit of the International Office, Mrs Alina Juškienė and a Professor of Law, Vaidas Jurkevičius, all commended the  internationalisation drive of UNILORIN and the quality of its students during an interactive session with exchange students and staff.

The trio encouraged UNILORIN students to take advantage of available exchange opportunities, assuring them of a conducive learning environment and support in achieving their academic aspirations in life.

With the Vice Chancellor at the visit were the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic), Prof. Moji Taibat Bakare-Odunola; the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Management Services), Prof. Olalere Adeyemi; the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Research, Technology and Innovation), Prof. Muhtar Adeiza Etudaiye; the Registrar, Mr Mansur Adeleke Alfanla; the Bursar, Mr Abiodun Lawal;  University Librarian, Prof. Kamaldeen Tunde Omopupa; and other staff members of the Centre.