In any serious conversation about Nigerian universities that embody global excellence, one name consistently rises to the fore: the University of Ilorin. Established in 1975, this iconic institution, fondly known as the “Better by Far University,” has grown into one of Nigeria’s most prestigious and sought-after centres of higher learning. Renowned for its culture of discipline, innovation, and academic excellence, the university has built a legacy that resonates far beyond the country’s borders.
Nestled in the historic city of Ilorin, Kwara State, the University boasts one of the largest land expanses of any tertiary institution in Africa, over 5,000 hectares of serene landscape dedicated to learning, research, and innovation. Within this vast campus thrives a vibrant academic community;16 faculties, over 100 departments, and a dynamic student body engaged in programmes that cut across the arts, sciences, engineering, health sciences, law, agriculture, and social sciences. Guided by its enduring motto, Learning and Character, the institution not only imparts cutting-edge knowledge but also instills values that prepare its graduates for leadership and service on the global stage.
Perhaps one of its most distinguishing features is its famed uninterrupted academic calendar, a rarity in Nigeria’s higher education space. This consistency has made Unilorin a magnet for some of the brightest students from across the nation and beyond, positioning it as a trailblazer in shaping the future of education, research, and innovation in Africa.
At the helm of this formidable institution is Professor Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN, the 11th Vice-Chancellor of the University. A distinguished scholar and astute manager of resources, Prof. Egbewole has brought to bear his wealth of professional, organizational, and academic expertise in advancing the university’s mission. His principled leadership, coupled with a bold vision, has continued to raise the bar, reinforcing Unilorin’s reputation as a household name in Nigeria’s academic space and a model of global relevance.
Speaking on the policies that sustain the institution’s culture of excellence, the Vice-Chancellor explained that the university’s strength lies in its rigorous processes. “Excellence is always the basis upon which we embark on anything,” he said. From the departmental level to the faculty, curriculum committee, business committee of senate, and finally the senate itself, every programme is subjected to layers of scrutiny. “We also believe in sustainability, which is why everything goes through a number of processes. Our mantra is to put round pegs in round holes, and that has assisted us over time.”
Beyond policies, Unilorin thrives on a set of corporate values that define its character. “Our core values include Integrity, Excellence, and Humaneness. We are not just an educational institution; we are one with a differencein how we relate with students and staff, in how we design enduring curricula, and in the premium we place on values.” This translates into zero tolerance for abandoned projects, corruption, cultism, or misconduct. “These are irreducible for us, because everything we do here must reflect integrity and a drive for excellence.”
Looking ahead, Prof. Egbewole articulated a bold vision through Vision 110-500, an ambitious roadmap to position Unilorin as number one in Nigeria, among the top 10 in Africa, and one of the best 500 universities globally. “We call it shuttling to the space,” he explained. “That is where we belong, and where we are supposed to operate.”
To achieve this, the university is embracing technology-driven transformation. Processes from admission to graduation are being fully automated, minimizing unnecessary human contact and ensuring efficiency. Classrooms are supported by a homegrown Learning Management System (LMS) that enables students to attend lectures, participate in discussions, pay fees, apply for accommodation, and interact with lecturers from the comfort of their rooms anytime, anywhere. Staff benefit from an enterprise portal that streamlines communication and administration, making physical queues and bureaucratic bottlenecks a thing of the past.
Internationalization is another pillar of Unilorin’s global drive. With over 100 active Memoranda of Understanding across continents, the university has established strategic concentric circles of partnerships. Starting with KU8+ (a synergy of all universities in Kwara State), it has expanded into national, regional, and continental collaborations. Today, Prof. Egbewole serves as Secretary-General of the Association of West African Universities, Vice-President of the Association of African Universities, and an active member of U6, a pan-African consortium. Beyond Africa, Unilorin maintains active collaborations with institutions in Asia and Latin America, including Brazil, China, and Malaysia. “We are not doing this for the fun of it,” he emphasized. “We are doing it because collaboration at those levels enriches our processes and impacts the Nigerian higher education system.”
At the infrastructural level, the university is intentional about creating an environment that inspires learning, productivity, and pride. “We want a campus that appeals to students, staff, and visitors alike,” Prof. Egbewole said. True to this vision, Unilorin has nurtured a green campus with manicured lawns and serene landscapes that reflect order and discipline. Ten classrooms are being transformed into world-class smart learning spaces, while sustainability drives innovation across facilities. “As we sit in the Senate building now, we are not on the national grid,” the Vice-Chancellor revealed. “We are powered by solar, and it drives practically all our processes. For the past two and a half years, we have resolved that all new infrastructures in Unilorin will be smart.”
So, from its values to its infrastructure, from local policies to global collaborations, the University of Ilorin continues to live up to its mantra of being Better by Far. With resilience, innovation, and a clear global vision, it stands as a shining model of excellence not just for Nigeria, but for Africa and the world. *Culled from The Guardian, Wednesday, October 1, 2025 page xxv
