Egbewole showcases UNILORIN’s global value at LTU Summit
By Isaac Lewu
The Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN, has said that the University is a major driver of research, innovation, inclusivity, and global academic advancement.
Prof. Egbewole stated this in Hainan, China, last Wednesday (May 20, 2026) while presenting a paper at the 2026 Summit of the League of Tropical Universities (LTU), where he highlighted the strategic value that the University of Ilorin is bringing to the League through its expanding research ecosystem, infrastructural growth, academic stability, and commitment to producing globally competitive graduates.
The LTU is a non-governmental and non-profit organisation dedicated to building open, inclusive and innovative multilateral platforms for international cooperation and exchanges. It brings together universities and research institutions on a voluntary basis, with a common commitment to advancing higher education and socio-economic development in tropical regions.
The Vice Chancellor told participants at the Summit that UNILORIN has continued to evolve into a globally respected institution with strong academic structures and innovative policies designed to respond to contemporary global challenges, adding that the University currently runs 211 academic programmes, operates 73 centres across diverse disciplines, and has an undergraduate population of 49,471 students, all contributing to its rising international profile.
Prof. Egbewole, who is the Secretary General of the Association of West Africa Universities (AWAU), noted that UNILORIN had deliberately prioritised three strategic areas, namely research and innovation, infrastructural development, and inclusivity, as critical pillars for sustainable growth and global competitiveness.
He disclosed that within the last two years, the University had recorded remarkable progress in attracting grants and strengthening collaborative engagements aimed at improving research output and institutional development.
The Vice Chancellor further stated that the University has continued to pursue strategic partnerships with local and international institutions, including members of the League of Tropical Universities, to deepen research collaboration and expand opportunities for staff and students.
Speaking on the University’s research ecosystem, Prof. Egbewole revealed that the management recently established a Science and Technology Innovation Fund to stimulate groundbreaking research and technological advancement.
He also announced the creation of a separate innovation fund specifically designed to provide students with platforms for ideation, experimentation, and project development.
The legal luminary identified some of the institution’s specialised centres as the Centre for Research, Development and In-House Training as well as the Centre for Laboratory to Product, both of which, he said, were established to bridge the gap between academic research and practical industry solutions.
He explained that the University is committed to ensuring that research outcomes are translated into products and services capable of addressing societal challenges while contributing meaningfully to national development.
Prof. Egbewole, who is also a member of the Nigerian Body of Benchers added that the University has continued to strengthen its modern laboratory facilities and advanced research structures in order to support cutting-edge studies across several fields.
He stressed that the University remains committed to creating a campus environment that is safe, secure, inclusive, and conducive for learning and innovation.
The Vice President of the Association of African Universities (AAU) also highlighted the growing reputation of UNILORIN within the global academic community, noting that the University continues to enjoy accreditation from the national higher education regulatory body, the NUC, as well as virtually all relevant professional bodies.
Prof. Egbewole further stated that the institution’s rising global ranking and expanding international visibility are products of sustained academic excellence, stable academic calendar, impactful research, and strong alumni contributions.
He told participants at the Summit that the University of Ilorin is prepared to contribute meaningfully to the vision and objectives of the League of Tropical Universities through collaborative research, innovation-driven initiatives, and global knowledge exchange.
The Vice Chancellor seized the opportunity of the Summit to sign Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) on behalf of the University of Ilorin and the Association of West Africa University (AWAU).
He also held a bilateral meeting with the President of Hainan University where the two universities agreed on collaboration on joint research, students and staff exchange, people to people cooperation, joint conferences, joint journal publications, dual degrees and focus on Agriculture and Aquaculture, Environmental Sciences, Law and Humanities, Engineering and Technology and innovation processes.
