Campus News

UNILORIN Law Faculty has highest Ph.D. holders-Egbewole

By Isaac Lewu

The Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN, has stated that the institution’s Faculty of Law has the highest number of Ph.D. holders among its peers in the country.

            Prof. Egbewole stated this last Monday (June 16, 2025) during a Postgraduate Retreat organised by the Faculty at the University Auditorium Basement

            The Vice Chancellor, who teaches at the Department of Jurisprudence and International Law of the Faculty, encouraged lecturers to reposition themselves and the postgraduate programmes for better service delivery.      

            He also urged the Faculty to develop the curriculum in ways that would make the learning process more impactful to the society.

            According to him, this will inspire and encourage students to return for their Ph.D. and thereby foster stronger academic ties and continuous learning.

            Prof. Egbewole further described the retreat as an epoch-making event, aligned with the ongoing efforts to enhance the quality and efficiency of the University’s Postgraduate School.

             He also emphasised the importance of ensuring that postgraduate programmes are completed within the stipulated timeframes and that everything must be done to avoid unnecessary extensions and delays.

            In her welcome address, the Dean of the Faculty, Prof. Nimah Modupe AbdulRaheem,  described the event as a critical juncture for rethinking the structure, delivery, and supervision of postgraduate programmes.

            Prof. AbdulRaheem asserted that everything must be done to standardise the MPhil/Ph.D. framework and enhance research methodology across the various Departments.

            Prof. AbdulRaheem called on academic staff and postgraduate students to use the opportunity to engage deeply with the pressing academic and administrative issues facing the Faculty.

            She highlighted the importance of harmonised supervision standards, curriculum reform, and collaborative innovation in ensuring that the  postgraduate programmes of the Faculty remain globally competitive.

            The Dean of the Postgraduate School, University of Ilorin, Prof. Bamidele Victor Owoyele, emphasised the urgent need for regular curriculum reviews, AI integration, and stricter supervision standards in postgraduate programmes.

            Prof. Owoyele noted that aligning postgraduate training with global best practices is key to maintaining the reputation of the University and attracting both local and international students.

            He cited recommendations from the Committee of Provosts and Deans of Postgraduate Colleges and Schools (CPDPGCS), which advocate for AI training inclusion, ethical supervision, and stricter programme timelines.

            Prof. Owoyele expressed concern over the uneven quality of Master programmes, which affects graduates’ eligibility for Ph.D. admissions elsewhere. He called for standardised academic processes and timely programme completion. He emphasized the right of Ph.D. students to choose supervisors and the need for foreign external examiners. He also urged ethical academic practices, while warning that extortion, coercion, and delays, must be eliminated.              Prof. Owoyele praised the Faculty of Law for its strong enrolment in LL.M and Ph.D. programmes and the development of three new curricular frameworks. He advocated for specialised degrees in fields like Environmental, International, and Intellectual Property Law. He also lauded the Faculty for its contributions to the University’s selection for the prestigious TETFund Academic Staff Training programme, awarded to just 18 universities nationwide.