Campus News

Senate approves 2025 graduating list, okays convocation programme

…approves Nwosu’s appointment as new Dean, PG School

By Tajudeen Babamale

The Senate of the University of Ilorin has approved the initial graduating list for the 2024/2025 academic session by confirming the results of 9,366 undergraduate students who have met all requirements for graduation. The figure may increase in the run-up to this year’s convocation ceremonies as more graduating students meet the requirements.

The approval was the major highlight of the 306th Senate Meeting, held last Thursday (August 14, 2025) under the Chairmanship of the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN.

The University Senate also approved the programme of this year’s Convocation Ceremonies as proposed by the Ceremonials Committee.

It also approved the appointment of Prof. Friday Onyekewere Nwosu of the Department of Industrial Chemistry as the new Dean of the Postgraduate School for a two-year term. Prof. Nwosu, a specialist in Surface Chemistry with expertise in Analytical and Environmental Chemistry, succeeds Prof. Bamidele Victor Owoyele, whose tenure ended recently.

While congratulating Prof. Nwosu, the Vice-Chancellor urged him to build on the achievements of his predecessor and take the Postgraduate School to greater heights.

In addition, the Senate elected Prof. Godwin Tunde Arosanyin of the Department of Economics to represent it on the University Governing Council, replacing Prof. Folu Emmanuel Ologe.

In another development, the Senate approved the programme for the University’s 40th Convocation Ceremonies.

Presenting the report of the Ceremonials Committee on the floor of the Senate, its Chairman, Prof. Adegboyega Adisa Fawole, announced that the ceremonies would run from Friday, October 17, 2025, to Sunday, October 26, 2025. He further announced that the Convocation Lecture will be delivered by former Lagos State Governor and former Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Babatunde Raji Fashola, SAN.

Prof. Fawole, who is also the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Management Services), appealed for the cooperation of all members of the University community to ensure a memorable celebration, noting that this year’s Convocation coincides with the 50th anniversary of the University.

In his opening remarks at the 306th Senate Meeting, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Egbewole, challenged the Senate to identify and select 50 iconic research works carried out by the University over the past five decades for showcasing during the anniversary celebrations.

            Prof. Egbewole said, “This year, 2025, marks our 50th anniversary. Now we are 50; we cannot claim to be toddlers. We must showcase to the world what we have done, and the only way to do this is through members of this Senate. I want us, as a body, to own this process, align with the 50th anniversary programmes, and present ideas on what we can do. One of the key areas is to showcase the extent of our research achievements to prove that we have been making giant strides over the years.”

The Vice Chancellor, who is also the Secretary-General of the Association of West African Universities (AWAU), appreciated members of the University community for the successful conduct of the 2024/2025 academic session. He specifically expressed gratitude to Heads of Departments, Level Advisers, Examinations Officers, Faculty Officers, Secretaries at departmental, faculty, and college levels, and all academic and non-teaching staff for their dedication.

            Prof. Egbewole congratulated the newly appointed Deans and Directors while commending the immediate past office holders for their commitment and service. He said, “To our new Deans, you are coming in at a time when your predecessors have provided stability. I hope you will raise the bar and improve on our achievements. My expectation is that the challenge I gave during your orientation will be embraced by all of us.”

            The Vice Chancellor, who is also the Vice President (West Africa) of the Association of African Universities (AAU), reiterated the commitment of the University to automation, saying that last Thursday (August 14, 2025) would be the last day the offices of Deans and Directors would submit paper memos to his office. He urged Departments and Faculties to put the necessary logistics in place to ensure a smooth transition to fully digital processes.

            While pointing out that his Administration is nearing its third year, the Vice-Chancellor encouraged members of Senate to review his mid-tenure report, now available on the University’s website. “Please feel free to critique the report; that is the essence of the academic environment. Your criticisms will help make it better,” he added.