The Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN, has urged the postgraduate students of the Institution to embrace the responsible use of technology in their academic pursuits, saying the University is committed to academic integrity and innovation.
Speaking during the orientation programme for new postgraduate students organised by the Postgraduate Students Association (POGSASS), last Tuesday (January 21, 2025), Prof. Egbewole pointed out the dual nature of technology, noting that while it offers immense benefits, it also comes with potential risks.
The Vice Chancellor specifically cautioned the students against the misuse of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools, saying, “Technology has positive values, and we want you to imbibe those positive values. However, it also has its downside, which is why we are appealing to you to avoid negative practices such as the misuse of AI. Artificial Intelligence is beneficial, but as Africans, we are still catching up with the rest of the world, which is already experiencing artificial general intelligence and artificial super intelligence. Meanwhile, we are still grappling with basic AI applications”.
Prof. Egbewole warned that inappropriate use of AI could undermine the students’ academic integrity. He said, “The way this technology is being used is creating problems for studentship, and that is why I am appealing to you. At UNILORIN, we have mechanisms in place to detect plagiarism, including whether you have copied your theses. We recently awarded a contract to procure an advanced plagiarism detection system to reinforce our stance on academic honesty.”
While reaffirming the commitment of the University to excellence, Prof. Egbewole said that the “University of Ilorin appreciates excellence. Unilorin is built to be the best in Nigeria, and you are indeed very fortunate to be part of this great institution. We are driven by values encapsulated in the acronym INJECT: Integrity, Networking, Justice, Excellence, Commitment, and Teamwork. If you imbibe these values, your stay here will be meaningful, fruitful, and productive for you and the University”.
In his remarks, the Dean of the Postgraduate School, Prof. Bamidele Victor Owoyele, said that the unilorin postgraduate programme is the best in Nigeria as he reaffirmed the commitment of the University to academic excellence and student success.
While noting the University’s achievements, the Dean revealed that during the last academic session, the Institution produced 375 Ph. D. graduates, alongside numerous Master’s degree and postgraduate diploma recipients. “In the 2023, 2024, and 2025 admission cycles, we admitted about 1,700 postgraduate students, which represents over a 100% increase compared to the 2022/2023 academic session. The remarkable growth is due to the transformative changes introduced by the Postgraduate School, made possible by the University Administration in line with our vision,” he added.
Prof. Owoyele said that the Postgraduate School under his stewardship takes the processing of PG documents seriously, ensures that students’ matters are attended to appropriately and on time, and works closely with the Department to ensure that academic calendars are followed as approved by the Senate.
Speaking earlier, the President of POGSASS, Mr Abdulquadri Ademola Ajasa, congratulated his colleagues on securing admission into the University that is renowned for academic excellence and research innovation.
Mr Ajasa said, “As you embark on this postgraduate journey, you will realise that it requires more than just academic competence; it demands discipline, perseverance, and a commitment to excellence. This phase of your education will challenge you to think critically, conduct groundbreaking research, and contribute meaningfully to your chosen field of study and the society at large”.
He said that members of the Executive Committee of POGSASS are committed to ensuring that all postgraduate students have productive and fulfilling experiences in the University. According to him, “Our Association serves as the voice of postgraduate students, advocating for your welfare, academic support, and social integration. We encourage you to actively participate in our various programmes, workshops, and networking opportunities, as they are designed to help you thrive in your academic and professional pursuits.”
