More than 1,000 staff members of the University of Ilorin had benefited from international scholarships, seminars, and conferences in the last one year alone.
This was disclosed by the Director of the Centre for International Education (CIE), Prof. Lateef Ibrahim Onireti, last Tuesday (January 21, 2025) while fielding questions on a special interview programme on UNILORIN FM 89.3, titled “Oro To n lo.” The programme was anchored by the Station Manager, Mr Idris Alooma.
Prof. Onireti said that CIE was established in 2009 to internationalise the University of Ilorin and make its staff and students global scholars. He emphasised the importance of using the Centre’s resources to seize scholarship opportunities and get internationalised, thereby avoiding being “local champions”.
The Director said that the University has indeed become a hub for international collaboration, with over 70 top universities worldwide partnering with it. “The Institution has also won numerous grants, including over N1 billion in research grants”, he disclosed, adding that “Unilorin has been recognised as the most sought-after university in Nigeria, with the highest number of international students”.
Prof. Onireti highlighted the successes of Unilorin students in international competitions, such as the X Culture problem-solving competition established in Japan. Out of 79 Unilorin students that participated in the competition recently, 41 excelled, and one of them ranked among the top 14 globally.
The University’s achievements have not gone unnoticed, as it recently won the JAMB N500 million prize for being the most sought-after university and having the highest number of international students.
As the University prepares to celebrate its 50th anniversary, Prof. Onireti revealed that numerous dignitaries will be invited through the Centre, and several programmes are in the pipeline to make the celebration a special one. With all faculties having visiting lecturers and numerous memoranda of understanding signed for mutual benefits, the University of Ilorin is indeed poised for continued global excellence, he said.
The Director appreciated the University Management, headed by Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN, for its invaluable support for the Centre, which has made it easy for the Centre to thrive under his pacesetting leadership.
