By Mustafa Abubakar
A one-time President of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Prof. Attahiru Muhammadu Jega, has commended the University of Ilorin for its consistent commitment to institutional excellence, describing the University as a national pride and model for academic development.
Prof. Jega,who is also a former Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), gave this commendation last Monday (June 30, 2025) when he paid a courtesy visit to the Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN, in his office.
Prof. Jega, who was the Guest Speaker at the Annual Distinguished Personality Lecture of the Faculty of Social Sciences held in honour of the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Production Services and Rural Development and Turaki of Ilorin, Senator Saliu Mustapha, noted that he had visited the institution several times in various capacities and had always been impressed by its fascinating environment and quality of leadership.
He said,`“I must commend the Vice Chancellor and the management of the University of Ilorin for the very good work you have been doing to continue to uplift this University as a centre of excellence.”
“As a University man myself, our hope and aspiration is to have world class institutions, and whenever we find passionate and committed people adding value to institutional growth, we are proud. May Almighty God continue to give you the strength and energy to do that”, he added.
Prof. Jega, who is the Co-Chair of the Presidential Committee on Livestock Reforms, said he accepted his invitation to the lecture not only because of the relevance of the theme, “Livestock Development in Nigeria: Prospects and Challenges, which touches on peace, economic development, and national coexistence but also because of his love for the University of Ilorin.
“This initiative is something we have been working on for over a year now. And it is important to use every opportunity to engage with stakeholders and the academic community to explain what the initiative entails and also to generate new ideas for its success”, he said.
Prof. Jega also thanked the Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences for the invitation and the Vice Chancellor for granting him and his team the opportunity to pay a courtesy visit during the event.
Speaking earlier, the Vice Chancellor, who was represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Management Services), Prof. Adegboyega Adisa Fawole,welcomed Prof. Jega and his entourage to the nation’s most sought-after University.
“As you entered from the gate, I believe you saw our lush green vegetation. If the students were not writing examinations, you would have seen them in their natural habitat,well behaved and well cultured”, Prof. Egbewole added.
“The Faculty of Social Sciences has always been a Faculty of activism. We thank you once again for coming to grace this occasion”, he said.
The Vice Chancellor appreciated Prof. Jega’s commendation of the University and assured him that the management was deeply committed to contributing its quota to the growth of Nigeria’s education sector.
In her remarks, the Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences, Prof. Adedoyin Jolaade Omede, described the lecture as an annual tradition aimed at honouring distinguished personalities who have made significant contributions to Nigeria.
Prof. Omede said, “This year, we are honoured to host Distinguished Senator Saliu Mustapha, representing Kwara Central Senatorial District. However, we are particularly excited and fulfilled to have my professor, my reformist, my role model , Attahiru Jega present with us today.”
Recalling her first personal encounter with Prof. Jega, the Dean said, ” It happened years before Prof. Jega’s appointment as INEC Chairman, adding that she had appeared before a panel where she talked to the scientists who held public office but failed to give back to the discipline.
“I remember they gave me the topic: ‘‘The role of Political Science in Nigeria, to talk to those who have held political appointments, what have they brought back home. But Prof. Jega, who was there, encouraged me and said ‘you are saying the truth. Nothing will happen to you. Today, I am a Professor and the Dean of Political Science.”
She said that the Faculty and the University community are eager to hear Prof. Jega’s insights on the livestock reform programme and its broader national implications.
“Many have only seen you in pictures, but today, you are here live. We are happy and excited to welcome you once again to the University of Ilorin”, she said.
Present during the visit were the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic), Prof. Moji Taibat Bakare-Odunola; the Registrar, Mr Mansur Adeleke Alfanla; the University Librarian, Prof. Kamaldeen Tunde Omopupa; and members of the Governing Council, among others.
