Campus News

Student Affairs Unit Honours ex-Dean, others

The Student Affairs Unit of the University of Ilorin held a send-off ceremony penultimate Friday (March 14, 2025) for some of its former staff members who have dedicated several years of service to the Unit and have now moved to other departments and units.

The event, which held at the Student Affairs Boardroom, was attended by management staff, colleagues, and well-wishers. Among those honoured were the immediate past Dean, Prof. M. T. Yakubu; the immediate past Sub-Dean (College of Health Sciences), Prof. Ade Alabi; the immediate past Sub-Dean (Main Campus), Dr. Adewole Davis; and the former Deputy Registrar (Student Affairs), Mr Opaleke.

In his welcome address, the Ag. Dean of Student Affairs, Dr Alex Akanmu, emphasised the significance of the Unit within the University framework, describing it as “the heart of the University.”

Dr Akanmu highlighted the essential role of the Unit in promoting student welfare and contributing to overall institutional growth. He added that the contributions made by the staff members are highly valued by the University Administration.

He stressed the importance of recognising and appreciating hard-working staff members, noting that “such gestures not only serves as a form of gratitude but also acts as motivation for employees to remain dedicated in their current roles and excel in future positions. This recognition is crucial for fostering a culture of excellence within the institution”.

The Dean said that the celebration does not only mark a significant milestone for those being honoured but also reflects the dedication of the University to nurturing its staff and enhancing institutional effectiveness through recognition and support.

In his response, the immediate past Dean of Student Affairs, Prof. Yakubu, expressed profound gratitude to the Almighty God and the staff of the Unit for the send-off ceremony, which he noted has a rich history. He said that the event was not merely a formality but a significant milestone reflecting the dedication and hard work of all staff within the Unit.

Prof. Yakubu also commended his colleagues for their unwavering dedication and teamwork, pointing out that it is through collective effort they have been able to achieve their goals and serve the University community effectively.

The former Dean appreciated both the immediate past Vice Chancellor, Prof. Sulyman Age Abdulkareem, and the incumbent, Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN, for giving him the opportunity to serve the University in such esteemed capacity.

Also in his remarks, the immediate past Sub-Dean (College of Health Sciences), Prof. Ade Alabi, expressed his gratitude to the Dean for organising a programme dedicated to recognising the contributions made by staff members over time. He stressed that character plays a vital role in shaping one’s professional trajectory.

               Prof. Alabi shared his personal experiences from his time at the Student Affairs Unit, describing it as an invaluable learning ground where he acquired skills and knowledge beyond monetary value.                              The former Sub Dean (Main Campus) Dr Adewole Davis, expressed deep appreciation for everyone he collaborated with during his tenure at the Unit, emphasising teamwork as a cornerstone of success in any endeavour. He urged staff members to approach every assignment with utmost seriousness, as if it were their last task, instilling a sense of urgency and commitment among colleagues.

On his part, the former Deputy Registrar (Student Affairs), who is now the Deputy Registrar (Academic Support Services), Mr Opaleke, stressed the importance of fostering a collaborative environment among staff members. He described his relationship with his colleagues as cordial and encouraged everyone to enhance their knowledge and skills in computer systems.

The security personnel in the unit, Mr Obiniyi Moses and Mrs Isiaka Afusa expressed gratitude towards the staff members for their supportive working relationship. They highlighted how teamwork has contributed to a harmonious atmosphere within the unit, ultimately benefiting everyone involved.

               In his closing remarks, the Director of Academic Planning (DAP), Prof. Abdulrasheed A. Adeoye, who is also a member of Unilorin Governing Council, spoke on the critical role of transformational leadership within the institution. He said that this leadership style is not merely theoretical but has been effectively implemented in the Student Affairs Unit, fostering an environment conducive to growth and innovation.

               Prof. Adeoye, who is a former Dean of the Faculty of Arts, outlined the “4 C’s” of effective leadership: Curiosity, Consciousness, Courage, and Choice, saying that “the attributes are essential for personal development and are also embodied in the current Dean’s approach to governance.”

According to Prof. Adeoye, the alignment between leadership qualities and institutional success underscores the importance of having a competent leader at the helm of student affairs, to ensure that the unit can withstand challenges and thrive over time.

The Professor of Performing Arts said that the unit adopts a forward-thinking mindset by prioritising mentorship and succession planning. He highlighted the necessity for training future leaders who can surpass existing benchmarks and set new records for excellence.

Also speaking at the event, the President of the Student Union, Mr Victor Agezeh, said that working with the Deans of the Student Affairs Unit has shaped his knowledge of human relations, teaching him the ability to understand people’s intuitions.

Also present at the event were the Deputy Registrar, Student Affairs, Mr M. O. Adewuyi, the Sub Dean (Female), Dr Oludolapo Ojediran and staff members of the Unit.