Geography Dept. charts new course as leadership changes hands
By Mustafa Abubakar
The Department of Geography and Environmental Management, University of Ilorin, has commenced a new phase of leadership following the formal handover of Departmental affairs by the outgoing Head of the Department, Dr O. D. Ajewole, to the incoming Head of Department, Dr Toluwalope M. Agaja.
The handover ceremony, held last Monday (August 3, 2026), was attended by academic and non-teaching staff, professors and other senior staff members of the Department.
Presenting his stewardship report, Dr Ajewole highlighted the major activities, achievements and initiatives recorded during his tenure. He explained that the Department remained committed to its vision of being a centre of excellence in geographical and environmental education, research and community service while sustaining its mission of producing graduates equipped with competencies in Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Disaster Risk Management, Climate Change Adaptation and Environmental Sustainability.
Dr Ajewole disclosed that the Department currently has 28 academic staff, 20 non-academic staff, seven graduate assistants, 286 undergraduate students and 204 postgraduate students, offering undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in Geography, Disaster Risk Management and Geographic Information Systems.
He noted that the curriculum review in line with the National Universities Commission (NUC) Benchmark Minimum Academic Standards was progressing steadily, while proposals for Diploma programmes in Geographic Information Systems and Transport Management were awaiting Senate approval.
Also speaking, Prof. L.T. Ajibade congratulated both the outgoing and incoming Heads of Department, describing the leadership transition as another significant milestone in the history of the Department.
He commended Dr Ajewole for his focused, purposeful and exemplary leadership, noting that his tenure witnessed remarkable progress in academic development, research, staff welfare and institutional growth.
Prof. Ajibade urged Dr Agaja to lead with integrity, fairness and inclusiveness while sustaining the Department’s long-standing tradition of academic excellence. He also called on all members of staff to rally round the new Head of Department by offering their unwavering support, cooperation and constructive contributions towards the continued growth and development of the Department.
Also speaking, Prof. U.A. Raheem commended Dr Ajewole for his dedication, exemplary leadership and invaluable contributions to the growth and development of the Department. He described the peaceful and seamless transition as a reflection of the Department’s enduring culture of unity, mutual respect and institutional stability.
Prof. Raheem congratulated Dr Agaja on her appointment, describing it as well deserved and a recognition of her commitment to the Department. He assured her of the unwavering support, cooperation and wise counsel of the elders and all members of staff as she assumes office.
In her acceptance remarks, Dr Toluwalope M. Agaja expressed appreciation to members of the Department for their support and cooperation.
She described her appointment as a call to serve her alma mater and pledged to build on the achievements of her predecessor through purposeful, transparent and inclusive leadership.
Dr Agaja appealed for the continued cooperation, support, constructive suggestions and guidance of all members of the Department to ensure effective administration and the sustained growth and development of the Department.
She expressed optimism that, by working together, the Department would attain even greater heights in teaching, research, innovation and community service.
