Campus News

UNILORIN @ 50, a generational celebration -Mokuolu

By Abubakar Imam

The Chairman of the University of Ilorin 50th Anniversary Planning Committee, Prof. Olugbenga Ayodeji Mokuolu,  has described the upcoming anniversary as “a generational celebration”, which must not be missed by anyone who has anything to do with the University in the last five decades.

Prof. Mokuolu stated this last Monday (October 6, 2025) while speaking on the maiden edition of “Countdown to UNILORIN @ 50”, a special interview programme put together by UNILORIN 89.3 FM to mark the University’s Golden Jubilee. The programme was anchored by Ms Bimbo Durojaiye.

The Chairman explained that the celebration would not only be a historical landmark for the alumni and staff of the University but could also be a monumental anniversary in the life of every stakeholder to celebrate a key feature of their relationship with the University.

Prof. Mokuolu added that the celebration will be marked in a grand style as he recalled that the celebration was kickedoff on Monday, January 13, 2025 with the unveiling of the anniversary billboard by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN.

 He further stated that the University decided to celebrate the milestone because of its various accomplishments and its desire to maintain its greatness as it marches forward.

Prof. Mokuolu said that the University is deeply rich in alumni considering its production of numerous stars in various professions and the high quality of its staff.

The Chairman thanked the various units of the University for embracing the anniversary as he recalled that several Faculties and Centres have organised different programmes and invited dignitaries to the campus such as the Nobel laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka; a former Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof. Attahiru Jega and the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Production Services and Rural Development, Senator Saliu Mustapha, among others, as a way of celebrating the milestone.

He also thanked the management and staff of the radio station and the Directorate of Corporate Affairs at large for their contributions so far, saying that the publicity provided has been quite stimulating.

Prof. Mokuolu, who spoke to the lineup of activities of the anniversary, said that invitation has been sent out to several dignitaries within and outside Nigeria to attend the event.

He added that The Presidency,  members of the National Executive Council, the National Assembly as well as the Governor of Kwara State and members of his administration would be at the ceremony. He also said that a globally renowned public speaker, Prof. P. L. O. Lumumba, would be the Guest Speaker. He also explained that a renowned businessman, Ambassador Abdulfatai Yahaya Seriki, MFR, has accepted to be the Chief Launcher at the ₦50 billion  fundraising for the building of an iconic Innovation and Transcript Hub and expansion of learning facilities.

Prof. Mokoulu, who thanked the Governing Council, Principal Officers and staff the University for their cooperation so far, appealed to the alumni, staff and students of the University to see the anniversary as theirs by participating actively.

While calling on governments, corporate organisations and individuals to support the University with funds, Prof. Mokoulu appealed to everyone, particularly the alumni to make their impact felt by donating their widow’s mite towards the betterment of the University.

He added that no amount is either too small or too much for one’s alma mater as he said that none of the leading universities in the world attain eminence in infrastructure and service delivery without the support of their alumni.