Egbewole tasks senior academics on mentorship

The Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN, has charged senior academics and seasoned researchers in the services of the institution to provide adequate mentorship for their younger colleagues  for the sustainable growth and development of the University.

Prof. Egbewole gave this advice last Wednesday (December 20, 2023), while declaring open the maiden retreat of the Faculty of Physical Sciences, themed “Vision 1:10:500: A Realistic Approach”, at the Agricultural and Rural Management Training Institute (ARMTI), Ilorin.

Addressing the participants, the Vice Chancellor, who was represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Management Services), Prof. Suleiman Funsho Ambali, stressed the importance of mentorship in shaping the future of the institution. He expressed concern that the absence of proper mentorship could jeopardise the University’s future.

Commenting on the retreat’s theme, which is aimed at repositioning  the Faculty of Physical Sciences as the first in Nigeria, tenth in Africa, and among the top 500 globally, the Vice Chancellor commended the Dean of the Faculty, Prof. Abdullahi Baba Alafara, and his team for their commitment to achieving global recognition.

Prof. Egbewole asserted that Vision 1:10:500 is a collective responsibility and challenged the Faculty to drive this vision through leverage on the expertise of renowned scientists within the Faculty.

In a significant move towards promoting academic research and fostering innovation, the University of Ilorin’s Chief Executive Officer announced the revival of the Senate Research Grant, adding that substantial funds have been allocated to support this research initiative in the coming year.

He also announced a shift in the purpose of research, stating that future endeavors should focus not only on promotion but also on problem-solving.

Prof. Egbewole expressed optimism that aligning research goals with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) would open doors to various global research grants and more opportunities.

Prof. Egbewole said, “This means that our research focus must align with the SDGs. I want all of us to key into this area of research that will address all parameters indicated in the SDGs. The University is developing a protocol to make us all committed to actualising SDGs to reduce global challenges”.

Looking ahead to the next academic year, the Vice Chancellor announced the University’s plan to institute a monthly ranking system for Faculties and Departments. He added that this initiative would assist in the assessment of the performance of Units, Centres, Departments, and Faculties, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and accountability within the academic community and enhancing transparency and excellence across the University’s diverse academic landscape.

Earlier in his address, titled “My Vision for the Faculty”, the Dean, Prof. Baba Alafara, said that the retreat was aimed to bring forth a result-oriented, success-driven workforce targeted at providing services according to the best global practices which constitute major thrusts towards achieving the vision 1:10:500 of Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN, and for the Faculty to be Number 1 in Nigeria; among top 10 in Africa and 500 in global ranking.

The Dean solicited the cooperation of all staff of the Faculty. He said “I am the Dean to represent your individual and collective interests. I am just one of you. Please support me in my resolve to further advance our reach and attainments. When you have observations over any of my decisions in the running of the Faculty, remember I am human, and will always respect and appreciate constructive suggestions and advice. My tenure constitutes a part of our career at the University of Ilorin; together let us make every moment of our career fulfilling and deserving.

The highlight of the event included the recognition of the newly promoted Professors and Readers in the Faculty; recognition of the most outstanding Head of Department of the Year (2023) in the Faculty, which goes to  Prof. G. M. Oyeyemi of the Department of Statistics; recognition of the most outstanding Director of Quality Assurance in Africa as rated by Virtual Institute for Capacity Building in Higher Education (VICBHE), Prof. Omolara O. Oluwaniyi; as well as appreciation of the immediate past Dean of the Faculty, Prof. Kayode Oyewumi and immediate past Secretary to the Dean of the Faculty of Physical Sciences, Mr. Ayoku Amori Abubakar.

Joining the Vice Chancellor at the retreat was the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academics), Prof. OlubunmiAbayomiOmotesho; the Registrar, Mr Mansur AdelekeAlfanla; the Ag. Bursar, Mr. Abdulbaki Oba; and the University Librarian, Dr. Kamaldeen Tunde Omopupa.