SPS Orientation: VC, Registrar, others urge students to work hard, respect university rules
By Mustafa Abubakar and Tajudeen Babamale
The Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN, has charged students of the School of Preliminary Studies to uphold the values of discipline, integrity and responsible conduct as they begin the journey to becoming substantive students of the University.
Speaking last Wednesday (February 18, 2026) at the orientation programme for the 2025/2026 set of the School of Preliminary Studies, held at the SPS Hall, Fufu, the Vice Chancellor urged the students to avoid behaviors that could tarnish the reputation and good names of their families.
Represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Management Services), Prof. Adegboyega Adisa Fawole, the Vice Chancellor encouraged the SPS students to remain focused on their studies and be intentional in building positive relationships, particularly in choosing friends who share similar academic and moral values.
He, however, assured the students that the institution has put in place adequate support systems to ensure a smooth and successful academic experience. He encouraged students to make use of the university clinic whenever they have health challenges, while academic-related concerns should be directed to the Student Affairs Division. He added that counseling officials are always available to guide and support students whenever the need arises, saying that these structures are designed to ensure students have a hitch-free academic journey throughout their stay in the institution.
While noting that the University maintains strict adherence to rules and regulations, he stressed that the management is supportive and approachable to students who demonstrate discipline, focus, and integrity.
On his part, the University Registrar, Mr Mansur Adeleke Alfanla, admonished the students to remain focused and committed to academic excellence, stressing that admission into the university is strictly based on merit.
The Registrar said gaining admission into the University does not depend on knowing the Vice Chancellor or any top official of the institution, noting that, hard work, discipline and strong academic performance remain the only reliable pathways to securing admission into the University of Ilorin.
Mr Alfanla explained that students who successfully pass their remedial programme are already halfway into securing admission into the university, urging them to take their studies seriously and remain determined throughout the programme.
The Registrar, who warned that the institution has zero tolerance for examination malpractice, indecent dressing, hooliganism and other acts capable of disrupting the academic environment, therefore, advised students to attend lectures regularly, complete their continuous assessments as required and prepare adequately for their examinations.
The Director of the School of Preliminary Studies, Prof. Sunday Adedeji Aderibigbe, described the SPS as a strategic foundation for academic and character development rather than a temporary waiting phase.
While explaining that the programme is a launching pad, structured, disciplined and purposeful pathway carefully designed to prepare candidates both academically and morally for life in the university system, Prof. Aderibigbe noted that many students who passed through the programme are today successful in their academic pursuits and remain proud ambassadors of the university in different sectors.
The Director stated that transition into the main University will not happen by chance but through deliberate effort and personal responsibility. According to him, students must make conscious choices to attend lectures consistently, study beyond what is taught in class, ask questions when necessary, manage their time effectively and remain focused even when faced with distractions.
He assured the students that while success requires personal commitment, the management of the School of Preliminary Studies is fully dedicated to supporting them, adding that, the school is committed to providing academic guidance, mentorship and a structured learning environment necessary for students to succeed.
Also speaking, the Ag Dean of Student Affairs, represented by the Sub-Dean (Female) Dr Oluwatosin Busayo Igbayiloye, reminded the students that there is still a lot ahead of them before they are fully recognised as mainstream students of the university.
The Dean urged them to discover their purpose early and remain focused on it, noting that self-discipline is the foundation of whatever each student intends to achieve during their stay in the university, adding that students who cultivate discipline, focus and determination are more likely to succeed academically and socially.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the University Admissions Committee, Prof. Muhammad-Lawal AbdulAzeez, educated the students on how the University calculates admission scores using candidates’ Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination and Senior Secondary Certificate Examination results and their results at the School of Preliminary Studies.
The Chairman explained that students who are truly committed to gaining admission stand a strong chance if they demonstrate seriousness in their academic work at the School of Preliminary Studies and maintain excellent results in all other examinations.
The Director of Health Services, University of Ilorin, Dr Rasheed Odunola, advised the students to adopt healthy daily habits to support their academic performance and overall wellbeing.
He emphasised the importance of quality sleep, regular exercise, and proper hydration, recommending that students drink at least three litres of water daily and sleep six to seven hours each night to improve concentration and memory retention.
While discouraging smoking, alcohol, illicit drugs, and other harmful substances, because of their negative impact on health and academic success, Dr Odunola noted that avoiding these habits is essential not only for physical wellbeing but also for staying focused and disciplined in the demanding university environment.
He reassured students that the University Health Services is committed to providing professional medical support and guidance and encouraged them to seek assistance whenever they experience health challenges to ensure they remain physically and mentally fit throughout their academic journey.
Also in attendance are the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic), Prof. Moji Taibat Bakare-Odunola; and the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Research, Technology and Innovation), Prof. Muktar Etundaye; among others.
