Eight UNILORIN scholars win NRF research awards
By Mustafa Abubakar
The University of Ilorin has recorded another remarkable academic milestone after securing eight awards in the 2026 National Research Foundation (NRF) Awards, and emerging as the 4th best-performing university nationally in the latest ranking cycle.
Announcing the achievement, the Director of the Centre for Research Development and In-House Training (CREDIT), Prof. Abdulkarim A. Oloyede, disclosed that beyond the ranking, the performance of the University at the interview stage stood out as a major indicator of excellence.
According to him, out of the 10 researchers from the University who advanced to the interview stage, eight successfully secured the prestigious awards, recording a significantly improved conversion rate compared to previous years and underscoring the quality of research output and preparation by scholars of the University.
The Director said,”While this is a commendable achievement, what is even more significant is our performance at the interview stage. Of the 10 candidates who made it to the interview stage, eight successfully secured the award. This conversion rate is much higher compared to previous years and reflects the quality of our researchers and the hard work that has gone into preparing for these interviews”.
In recognition of the feat, he said, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN, has invited Principal Officers, Provost, Deans, Directors, and Awardees, including Principal Investigators and team members, for the official presentation of Award Letters to the 2026 NRF Awardees scheduled to hold on Monday, June 22, 2026, at 12 noon at the University Auditorium Basement.
The eight award recipients are Prof. Bello Shakira Iyabo, Prof. Obielodan Omotayo Olabo, Prof. Amusa Tajudeen Olakunle, Prof. Lanre Tajudeen Ajibade, Prof. Babatunde Abiola Samuel, Dr Alex Morenikeji Akanmu, Dr Ibiyeye Kehinde Muhibat, and Dr Oluwalola Felicia Kikelomo.
Prof. Oloyede congratulated the awardees for making the University community proud and strengthening the reputation of the University as one of the leading centres of academic and research excellence in Nigeria.
He also encouraged researchers who were unsuccessful in the current cycle not to relent, noting that preparations for the 2027 NRF cycle should commence immediately.
“To those who did not receive an award this year: the journey to the next cycle starts now. I encourage everyone to begin dusting off your proposals, refining your ideas, and fine-tuning your submissions. The progress we have made this year shows that we are on the right track, but we can and must do more. Let this success serve as motivation and a reminder that with persistence, preparation, and excellence, your day will come.Keep striving. The 2027 NRF cycle begins today”,he added.
The achievement has further reinforced the commitment of the University to advancing groundbreaking research and sustaining its position among foremost institutions of higher learning in Nigeria.
