By Tajudeen Babamale

Students from the University of Torino, Italy, who participated in a four-week academic exchange at the University of Ilorin have expressed their deep appreciation and desire to return to UNILORIN, describing their stay as enriching, memorable, and culturally fulfilling.

The students made these remarks last Thursday (November 13, 2025) during a farewell visit to the University Management following the successful completion of their exchange programme.at the Department of Jurisprudence and International Law.

The leader of the team, Alessandro Dafama, who adopted the Nigerian name, Olusegun, thanked the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN, and the entire Unilorin community for what he described as “a big, friendly, and very hospitable community”.

He said the experience at UNILORIN was rewarding both academically and socially. “We enjoyed a lot, especially the food and academic experience. The class here is very interactive, unlike ours where we mostly listen to Professors. Here, students are deeply involved in problem-solving. We learned about common law, which opens international opportunities,”. Dafama, however, said he had also fallen in love with the University of Ilorin’s anthem, which he now proudly sings on his own.

Another student, Tartaguno Ilaria, who adopted the Nigerian name (Abike), admitted that though adapting at first was challenging, the warmth of the people and the city made her stay enjoyable. She said with a smile that “Now, we really like our stay. Everybody was so kind to us. Amala is my favorite Nigerian food”.

Also speaking, Anita Robboli (Ajoke), said the academic experience at Unilorin was inspiring. She noted that being exposed to courses like Islamic Law and the Nigerian Constitution, which are not taught at Torino, gave her a new understanding of Nigeria’s legal pluralism.

Similarly, Tonnaso Caratti (Olawale) described the visit as an eye-opener as he praised Nigeria’s peaceful coexistence and cultural diversity. He said witnessing how people of different faiths live harmoniously was remarkable, and that he particularly enjoyed “poundo”, which he found unique in taste.

On his part, Giacomo Caviglia (Akanbi) on behalf of his colleagues appreciated the hospitality of Unilorin students, whose support through teamwork, sports, and friendship made the experience memorable. He added that “suya” stood out as his favorite local delicacy.

Meanwhile, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN, commended the visiting students for their resilience, large-heartedness, and seamless integration into the Unilorin community during their four-week exchange programme.

The Vice Chancellor recalled with delight how the visiting students joined in singing the University Anthem during the convocation ceremony, noting that their enthusiasm and sense of belonging were impressive. He commended them for following through the academic and cultural activities of the exchange with dedication and adaptability.

According to Prof. Egbewole, the essence of collaboration between universities across borders lies in the exchange of ideas and experiences that help identify collective strengths and weaknesses, thereby promoting mutual growth and development. He noted that the visiting students had clearly embodied this principle by embracing new perspectives while sharing their own.

While sharing his recent experience when he visited Italian institutions in Teramo, L’Aquila, and Rome, where he observed that the supposed differences between civil law and common law systems are less divisive than often perceived, the Professor of International Law and Jurisprudence noted that when viewed holistically, both legal traditions reflect legal pluralism, which recognises the peculiarities of different communities and broadens the understanding of Law in its cultural context.

Prof. Egbewole, however, lauded the Faculty of Law and the Department of Jurisprudence and International Law for ensuring that the visitors’ stay was both academically productive and socially memorable as he expressed hope that the friendships formed during the exchange would extend beyond the academic setting and evolve into lifelong relationships. He urged the students to continue cherishing their experiences in Nigeria, which he described as invaluable and lasting.