By Mustafa Abubakar
The Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN, has charged the newly inaugurated Students’ Union executives to lead with integrity, responsibility, and a commitment to the University’s enduring mantra of being Better By Far.
Prof. Egbewole gave this charge at the swearing-in ceremony of the 2025/2026 Students’ Union administration held at the University Auditorium last Friday, (July 18, 2025).
Addressing the new student leaders, Prof. Egbewole said that leadership demands more than titles — it demands example, trust, and sacrifice.
“The expectations from your colleagues and this University are huge. Lead by example, inspire trust, and focus on the collective good. To whom much is given, much is expected.”, Prof. Egbewole said.
The Vice Chancellor reaffirmed the Vision of UNILORIN to be the first tge among Nigerian universities, one of the top ten in Africa, and among the world’s leading 500 as he urged the new student leaders to live out the University’s newly approved core values,INJECT: Integrity, Networking, Justice, Excellence, Commitment, and Teamwork.
He noted the strides of the University in teaching, research, security, accommodation, and student transport systems, adding, “The pages of history are written by collective hands. It is up to you to galvanise your colleagues for the positive goals of our University. Lead with love, empathy, and genuine commitment.”
Also addressing the gathering, the Acting Dean of Student Affairs, Dr Alex Morenikeji Akanmu, praised the outgoing 37th exco of the Union led by Mr Victor Oghenetega Agezeh, describing their tenure as “Smart Purposed and on target.”
He also commended the students for demonstrating maturity and responsibility throughout the electoral process.
Dr Akanmu, who is also the Chairman of the University of Ilorin Branch of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), reminded the new administration that unity and mutual accountability are non-negotiable for progress.
“My interest today is in what is to come, not what is past. The incoming executives must understand the sensitivity of time and the power of togetherness. Election is over, no more walls or blame. Trust is the cost for commitment. If we trust you, we have no fallback plan if you fail.”
He urged the new Student Union leadership to work closely with the management in tackling transport challenges, accommodation and security. He also called on them to join the management in canvassing for responsible power use, as well as ensuring fair treatment for all.
In his valedictory address, the outgoing Students’ Union President, Mr Victor Oghenetega Agezeh, described his tenure as fulfilling.
Mr Agezeh highlighted the key achievements of his tenure as including a 24/7 Union hotline, capped hostel booking fees, monthly feedback channels, and the first-ever online mega tutorials for GNS courses with over 20,000 students participating.
He added that his administration also facilitated fare reductions in transport fare, shuttle system reforms, a new campus park, and landmark programmes like the SU Movie Night, Bonfire Freshers Night, UNILORIN Got Talent, Oshodi Experience 2.0 Trade Fair, and partnerships with UNICEF, Unilever, and Google.
He expressed gratitude to the Vice Chancellor for his fatherly support, the Dean for mentorship, the Student Affairs Unit for guidance, his family for their sacrifices, and the entire Unilorin student body for trust and constructive feedback.
In his inaugural speech, the new Students’ Union President, Mr Idris Ayomo Adelu, pledged a “New Dawn” of transformation rooted in vision, inclusivity, and results-driven leadership.
“This moment belongs to every voice that rose in hope and every student who dared to dream of a better, stronger, more inclusive Union,” Mr Adelu said.
He unveiled his administration’s plans for virtual CBT preparatory orientations, mock exams, mega tutorials, an expanded sports and social scene, and a digital skills hub in partnership with industry leaders. He also promised more support for students with special needs and new empowerment schemes.
“As we stand at the threshold of this new dawn, remember: the transformation we seek cannot be achieved by the Students’ Union leadership alone. The pages of history are written by collective hands”, Mr Adelu said.
The ceremony also featured the election of new senate leaders where Mr Adeboye Francis Olamide (Phoenix) from the Faculty of Agriculture emerged as Senate President; Miss Habitat Abusola Adeoye of the Faculty of Education was elected Deputy Senate President; Babalola Mariam Ayomide from the Faculty of Management Sciences became the Senate Clerk; while Ogunleye Olurantoyin Folukemi of the Faculty of Basic Clinical Sciences was elected Deputy Senate Clerk.
The colourful inauguration was attended by Principal Officers and students from various Faculties.
