By Mustafa Abubakar and Joshua Ishaya
The President of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Mr Olusola Oladejo, has praised the University of Ilorin for its outstanding support for student leadership and welfare, describing the institution as a shining example for other Nigerian universities to emulate.
Mr Oladejo made the commendation penultimate Friday (July 25, 2025 ) when he visited the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN, and his management team at the VC’s Committee Room.
Addressing his hosts, the NANS President, who is a postgraduate student at the University of Jos, noted that UNILORIN’s commitment to retaining Student Union leaders who excel academically sets it apart.
He stated that the nationwide campus tour, which has covered universities in Niger and Kwara States, was necessary to reconnect the national body with students on various campuses.
“Many students graduate without even knowing the meaning of NANS. During my campaign, I promised not to wait for problems to occur before visiting campuses. That is why I even deferred my admission for this trip to see our students, where they live, where they study, and to ensure their welfare is protected,” he said.
Mr Oladejo emphasised that NANS under his watch believes in consultation, consolidation, communication, and only then confrontation. “Anything peace cannot solve, crisis will only escalate it. This is why we always communicate first. We believe in engaging managements and government meaningfully,” he added.
He also acknowledged the Federal Government’s recent investments in education, commending President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration for creating the first student loan scheme since Nigeria’s return to democracy.
“The present government has invested over ₦3 trillion in the education sector. This is the first time we are seeing such direct support for students. NANS has met with the President five times already; even ASUU has not done that,” he noted.
Welcoming the visitors, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Egbewole, represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Management Services), Prof. Adegboyega Adisa Fawole, described the gathering as more than a convention but a meeting of “comrades and giants in our various campuses”.
He thanked NANS for choosing UNILORIN as part of its North Central tour and commended the President’s resolve to promote dialogue above conflict.
“This is not just a visit but an opportunity for meaningful engagement. We are happy to host you”, he said.
Prof. Egbewole, who urged the gathering to remain business-like and focused, emphasised that UNILORIN’s peaceful campus environment is possible because of the healthy relationship the management has built with students and their leaders.
“We thank God for peace on this campus. Our Student Union measures our performance constantly. They tell us what we are doing well and what we need to improve on. We involve them in meetings, and they hold us accountable without compulsion. We enjoy attending their functions freely”, he said.
The Vice Chancellor further noted that the University takes pride in its safe and green environment, adding that students and staff alike feel secure to walk freely around the campus.
“Someone once said you must be very courageous to walk freely among your students, that is the kind of trust we enjoy here. It is because our students have given us a peaceful space to operate”, he said.
He expressed hope that the NANS visit would broaden students’ vision and motivate them to aspire for greater heights.
“Our students are showcased every day; tomorrow is another day you will see them shine: first class graduates, scholars, leaders of tomorrow. Your visit today will make them dream bigger,” he said.
Also speaking, the Ag. Dean of Student Affairs, Dr Alex Akanmu, described the NANS President as “part and parcel of the system”, and encouraged him to consider pursuing another degree at UNILORIN.
Dr Akanmu reaffirmed the University’s commitment to students’ welfare and its open door approach to students’ needs.
In his goodwill message, the Kwara State NANS Chairman, Mr Abdulgafar Sajudeen, said he is “a proud product of the Better By Far University”, adding that wherever he goes, people recognise the credibility of UNILORIN graduates.
“This campus is always peaceful. For every university we have visited so far, UNILORIN is highly rated”, he said.
Speaking on behalf of the UNILORIN students, the Students’ Union President, Mr Adelu AyomoIdris, reaffirmed that the University remains safe and conducive for learning.
The meeting was attended by other members of the management team, including the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic), Prof. Moji Taibat Bakare-Odunola; the Registrar, Mr Mansur Adeleke Alfanla; the Sub-Dean, Student Affairs, Dr Muhammad Garba; the immediate past UNILORIN Student Union President, Mr Victor Agezeh; the Deputy Registrar, Vice Chancellor’s office, Mrs Azeezat Ibrahim; and the University Protocol Officer, Mr Segun Alabi, among others.
