By Tajudeen Babamale
A former Vice Chancellor of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, Prof. Michael Oladimeji Faborode, has commended the University of Ilorin on its visionary initiatives in advancing research, technology and innovation, as well as gender inclusion, describing the institution as a model of excellence in Nigeria’s higher education system.
Prof. Faborode gave this commendation last Monday (November 10, 2025) when the National Executive Committee members of the Nigerian Institute of Agricultural Engineers (NIAE), paid a courtesy visit to the Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN, ahead of the Association’s 25th International Conference and 45th Annual General Meeting held at the National Centre for Agricultural Mechanization (NCAM), Ilorin.
The team was led on the courtesy visit by the Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and Technology, University of Ilorin, Prof. Joshua Olanrewaju Olaoye.
The former OAU Vice Chancellor praised the University of Ilorin for creating the Office of the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Research, Technology and Innovation (RTI). He described the initiative as a bold and strategic step that aligns with international best practices in higher education, which underscores UNILORIN’s commitment to innovation-driven research and technology transfer.
Prof. Faborode said that he was glad to hear that the University of Ilorin has three Deputy Vice Chancellors with one of them specifically focusing on research. He said, “I was happy when the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Research, Technology and Innovation was introduced, given Nigeria’s longstanding debate that universities can’t have more than two Vice Chancellors.
The former Vice Chancellor, who is equally a former Secretary-General of the Committee of Vice Chancellors in Nigeria, also, said that NIAE, NCAM, WABEN and other groups are very proud to have Prof. Joshua Olanrewaju Olaoye as the National Chairman and Global President of the African Society of Agricultural Engineering (ASAE).
Also speaking during the visit, the Chairperson of Women in Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering (WABEN) and teacher of Food Engineering at OAU, Prof. Kehinde Taiwo Adekunbi, lauded the University of Ilorin for its remarkable efforts in promoting gender inclusion and equality across academic and administrative structures.
She expressed satisfaction with the high level of female participation and leadership within the University, describing it as a reflection of the institution’s progressive values and inclusive orientation.
Prof. Adekunbi explained that WABEN, the women’s arm of the Nigerian Institute of Agricultural Engineers, was established to empower and support women in Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering, and that the group continues to advocate for gender perspectives in technology and machine design to enhance women’s productivity in agriculture.
Responding, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN, appreciated the recognition and commended the visiting delegation for acknowledging UNILORIN’s efforts.
Represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic), Prof. Moji Taibat Bakare-Odunola, the Vice Chancellor explained that the establishment of the DVC (RTI) Office was part of the University’s broader vision to strengthen research capacity, expand global partnerships, and drive innovation-led development.
Prof. Egbewole added that gender inclusion has long been part of the University of Ilorin’s culture, which has just been reinforced through the establishment of the Centre for Gender Studies which will promote women’s participation and equity across all levels of the University.
The Vice Chancellor reaffirmed that the institution remains committed to fostering an environment built on innovation, inclusion, and excellence.
