By Mustafa Abubakar and Tajudeen Babamale
The Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN, has charged Professors who retired from the services of the institution to continue to contribute to the growth and development of the University through mentorship and active engagement with current students and Faculty members.
Prof. Egbewole made the call last Monday (October 13, 2025) while speaking at a Special Reunion with past Deans and Directors organised by the Faculty of Education as part of activities marking the University’s Golden jubilee celebrations.
Describing the honourees as “astute academics whose experiences cannot be bought in the market,” the Vice Chancellor emphasised the need for the institution to continually tap into their wealth of knowledge, noting that their insights could greatly shape and refine the University’s academic culture.
He said, “It is my hope that you will continue to give us opportunities to benefit from your wealth of experience. We must design programmes, projects, or processes that will bring you back once in a while to interact with our current students because your experiences are invaluable.”
Earlier in his welcome address, the Dean, Faculty of Education, Prof. Olukunmi Lanre Olaitan, expressed appreciation to the Vice Chancellor and his management team for their support and participation in the event. He described the retreat as a “moment of reflection, reconnection, and recommitment” coinciding with the institution’s Golden jubilee celebration.
Speaking on the theme, “They Were Like Us, Tomorrow We Shall Be Like Them,” Prof. Olaitan reminded participants of the cyclical nature of leadership and legacy, urging the academic community to uphold the enduring values of discipline, service, excellence, and integrity. He called for a renewal of moral and professional standards amid emerging challenges in higher education, stressing that “as educators, we are called to teach not only what to know, but how to live.”
The highlight of the event was the recognition of 28 distinguished professors both retired and serving, who have contributed immensely to the Faculty’s legacy and to educational development in Nigeria.
Those honoured included three former Deputy Vice Chancellors at the University, Prof. R. A. Lawal (Academic), Prof. N. Y. S. Ijaiya (Academic) and Prof. A. Y. AbdulKareem (Management Services);
The honourees also include Prof. A. A. Adeyinka, Prof. A. Abdullahi, Prof. Segun Ogunsaju, Prof. A. D. Olutola, Prof. A. I. Idowu and a former Minister of State, Ministry of Niger Delta Development, Prof. C. O. Daramola.
Others were Prof. M. O. Fajemidagba, Prof. I. O. Abimbola, Prof. A. S. Olorundare, Prof. D. O. Durosaro, Prof. A. G. A. S. Oladosu, and Prof. Felicia A. O. Olasehinde-Williams.
Also celebrated were Prof. O. O. Obiyemi, Prof. O. E. Abdullahi, Prof. A. A. Adesoye, Prof. Esther O. Omosewo, Prof. S. H. Umoh, Prof. A. E. Talabi, and Prof. N. B. Oyedeji.
The honourees also included Prof. Medinat F. Salman, the pioneer Vice Chancellor, Kwara State University of Education (KWASUED) Ilorin; Prof. A. A. Adegoke, Prof. M. O. Yusuf, Prof. L. A. Yahaya, Prof. R. A. Shehu, the Executive Chairman, Kwara State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB); and Prof. A. Yusuf,who is the Director, Institute of Education, University of Ilorin.
