Make UNILORIN better, Egbewole urges alumni
By Mustafa Abubakar and Bashir Dawodu
The Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN, has called on alumni of the institution to join hands to uplift and build the ivory tower and make it better than they met it.
Prof. Egbewole made this call last Wednesday (November 26, 2025), while speaking at the 50th Anniversary Alumni Colloquium Day and Award Presentations, held at the University Auditorium.
In his address, titled “We Shall Build the Tower, UNILORIN,” the Vice Chancellor encouraged the alumni of the University to move from a traditional alumni approach to an integrated partnership model, stressing that alumni must enter into a dynamic and mutually beneficial relationship with the University.
According to him, alumni should take upon themselves part of the day-to-day life of the institution, serving as reputation and prestige managers, fundraisers, initiators of lifelong projects, mentors of current students, providers of scholarships and sponsorships, volunteers, career-guidance advisors, and connectors to professional opportunities and global linkages.
Prof. Egbewole said, “Across the world, Alumni Associations are not only pressure groups advocating standard delivery and quality control; they are also major stakeholders in adding value to their institutions. Alumni bodies are expected to drive programmes that enhance employability, create opportunities, stimulate endowments, and facilitate scholarships and grants for the University, its members, and future graduates.”
Also speaking at the event, former Governor of Kwara State, Dr Abdulfatah Ahmed, charged the alumni to partner with colleagues across the world. He urged students to be bold, saying that UNILORIN graduates are known not by what they accumulate but by how many people succeed through them.
“Your degree is a valuable credential, but ultimately, your character and tangible contributions will define your lasting legacy,” Dr Ahmed said.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the Colloquium Day, Senator Abdulfatai Omotayo Buhari, noted that UNILORIN has remained true to the third stanza of its anthem — “In Unity We Grow.”
He stressed that the bond among alumni remains strong, adding that “whatever you do to your school, you are actually investing in yourself.”
Senator Buhari advised current students of the University to take their education seriously and never forget their alma mater.
In his welcome address, the President of the UNILORIN Alumni Association, Prof. A. O. Kilani, described the 50th Anniversary celebration as a homecoming of excellence that reunited old classmates and colleagues. He urged alumni never to lose connection with their alma mater while also encouraging current students to build networks that would take them beyond their imagination.
The Chairman of the 50th Anniversary Committee, Prof. Olugbenga A. Mokuolu, commended all guests for honouring the invitation and praised the committee members for their dedication and commitment to the success of the programme.
In her goodwill message, Ambassador Nimota Nihilola Akanbi,OON, expressed gratitude to the University for shaping her life. She encouraged the University authorities to continue entrenching discipline while ensuring excellent service delivery to students, whom she described as vital stakeholders deserving to be treated like kings.
“We should endow prizes and projects in the University, attract partnerships, and make the institution attractive to our children, grandchildren, and their friends,” she said.
The Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Surveyor Abiodun Aluko, in his remarks, congratulated the alumni for sustaining the culture of excellence that the University is known for. He emphasised that alumni are the living testimonies to the University’s impact, urging them to keep projecting UNILORIN’s good name globally. He reaffirmed the Council’s commitment to supporting initiatives that will make the University stronger, more competitive, and more globally visible.
The day also featured the commissioning of the newly completed Alumni Secretariat, a project that symbolises the growing strength and institutional presence of the alumni body.
After the formal activities, guests were treated to a luncheon, where alumni, staff, and dignitaries interacted in a relaxed atmosphere.
This was followed by a captivating stage drama performance by the University’s Performing Arts Department, which celebrated UNILORIN’s history, values, and national contributions over five decades.
Highlights of the Alumni Day of the anniversary included the presentation of awards to 17 outstanding individuals. Among the recipients are Dr Zacch Adedeji, Prof. Jacob Folorunso Olorunfemi, Prof. Muritala Awodun, Senator Abdulfatai Omotayo Buhari, HE Alhaji Dr Abdulfatah Ahmed, Dr Adedamola Adejuwon Adedayo Dada, Ambassador Nimota Nihilola Akanbi, Dr Joe Okei Odumakin, Dr Kayode Opeifa, DIG Rhoda Adetutu Olofu, Dr Emmanuel Babatunde Olusunle, Hon. Abayomi Sheba, DIG Adebola Ayinde Hazmat, Dr Opeoluwa S. Sotonwa, Major Dr Yakubu Musa Sukam, Amb. Demenongu Apollonius Agev, and Prof. Philip E. Egbe.
