Campus News

Students share their vision for UNILORIN

By Bashirat Omotosho

At the heart of the University of Ilorin lies a vibrant community of thinkers, dreamers, and doers, students whose visions stretch far beyond lecture halls.

As the institution continues to uphold its reputation as “Better by Far,” UNILORIN Bulletin asked students across various Faculties a simple but profound question: What is your vision for the University of Ilorin?

From improved facilities and cutting-edge research to international opportunities and entrepreneurship, their answers echo a deep hope and a challenge; to shape a University that truly meets the needs of tomorrow.

For many students, the first step toward the future begins with better infrastructure. From the Faculty of Law, Maryam Adetola, a 400-level student, spoke passionately about the need for more modern classrooms and spaces.

“Our Faculty needs more lecture theatres with smart boards and proper ventilation,” she said, adding, “We’re in an age where technology and comfort go hand-in-hand with learning.”

In the Faculty of Agriculture, Sulaiman Yusuf, a 300-level student, shared a similar sentiment. She said, “Having more research farms and updated laboratory facilities will help us gain practical experience that truly reflects what’s out there.”

Students also dream of a University that leads in cutting-edge research. In the Faculty of Engineering and Technology, Fatima Bello, a postgraduate student in Electrical Engineering, emphasised the need for more funded research programmes.

“We have brilliant minds, but without grants and access to advanced tools, many ideas remain buried,” she noted, adding that “UNILORIN should partner more with industries to drive innovation that solves real-life problems.”

In the Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, John Adeyemi, a 500-level Medical student, called for a stronger research culture, saying, “We need student-led research groups, journals, and better mentorship for academic writing and publishing.”

The desire for global visibility was another recurring theme. Ngozi Ekene, a 300-level student of the Faculty of Communication and Information Sciences, expressed hopes for exchange programmes and global collaborations.

“It would be amazing if we could do one semester abroad or have virtual joint classes with students from partner universities in Europe or Asia,” she said.

Tanimola Haruna of the Faculty of Environmental Sciences envisioned more participation in international design competitions. She said, “We want to showcase our talents to the world and learn from others too.”

Students also highlighted the importance of well-being and support systems. Aisha Abdulrahman, a 200-level student of the Faculty of Education, advocated for more accessible mental health services on campus.

“Stress is real,” she said, adding, “We need trained counselors who understand student issues, not just disciplinary officers.”

Meanwhile, Kehinde Oluwatobi, a student in the Faculty of Management Sciences, stressed the need for improved hostel conditions. According to him, “Affordable and decent accommodation should not be a luxury. A good environment contributes to good grades.”

In the Faculty of Social Sciences, Chukwuemeka David, a student of Economics, dreams of a university-based startup hub. He noted that today’s students are also tomorrow’s job creators and many of them are already building ideas that need nurturing.

While students across the University acknowledged the dedication of their lecturers, many believe there is room for improvement in how content is delivered.

Zainab Ibrahim, a 400-level student of the Faculty of Arts, noted that some lecturers rely heavily on outdated, one-directional teaching styles. “Our lecturers are brilliant, no doubt. But the world has moved beyond chalk-and-talk. More interactive methods like case studies, flipped classrooms, and blended learning would make lectures more engaging,” she said.

Others also called for a bit more leniency and student-centeredness. Abdullahi Musa, a student from the Faculty of Life Sciences, said, “Sometimes, we need understanding when life happens, not everyone is being unserious. A little flexibility with deadlines or attendance would go a long way.”

Students believe their lecturers are doing a commendable job, but evolving classroom dynamics demand more empathy, innovation, and adaptability in teaching approaches.

Similarly, Rukayat Salawu, from the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, believes entrepreneurship education should go beyond theory.  She said, “Let’s have practical workshops, product development challenges, and student-run enterprises right here on campus.”

               Looking ahead, as the University of Ilorin continues to evolve, these voices; diverse, bold, and forward-thinking, paint a compelling picture of what is possible. Their dreams call for action, investment, and listening ears.

More than anything, their visions remind us that the future of the University isn’t just being built in Senate chambers or boardrooms. It is also being imagined in classrooms, hostels, labs, and cafeterias.