UNILORIN promises promotion of global citizenship
By Isaac Lewu, Bashiru Dawodu and Bashirat Omotosho
The Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN, has reiterated the commitment of the University to fostering global citizenship through international collaboration, cultural exchange and strategic partnerships as he described cultural diversity as a catalyst for peace, mutual understanding and sustainable development among nations.
Prof. Egbewole made this pledge last Wednesday (June 24, 2026) while speaking at the 13th International Students’ Day Programme, organised by the Centre for Internationalisation and Strategic Partnership (CISP) at the New Engineering Lecture Theatre 2.
The Vice Chancellor, who was represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Management Services), Prof. Olalere Adeyemi, noted that the theme of the lecture, titled “Beyond borders: celebrating diversity, fostering inclusion, and shaping global citizens”, aligned perfectly with the University’s vision of promoting globalisation, international partnerships and the exchange of ideas across borders.
The renowned legal luminary noted that the University of Ilorin has remained at the forefront of internationalisation efforts by creating an environment where people from diverse cultural backgrounds can interact, learn and thrive together. He explained that culture encompasses the totality of people’s way of life, including both tangible aspects, such as traditional attire, artefacts and customs, and intangible elements, such as values, beliefs and shared experiences that shape societies.
Prof. Egbewole added that despite differences in cultural identities, individuals and nations could coexist peacefully through collaboration, mutual respect and knowledge-sharing.
In his welcome address, the Director of the CISP, Prof. Lateef Onireti Ibraheem, described the inauguration of the Faculty Internationalisation Committees as a major milestone in the University’s drive towards institutionalising internationalisation across all academic units, stressing that internationalisation should not be the sole responsibility of the CISP but a collective commitment involving every Faculty, Department, Unit, lecturer, researcher, administrator and student.
Prof. Onireti, who was represented by a Deputy Director of the Unit, Dr Bilkis Abiola Lawal, explained that the future of the internationalisation agenda of the University rests significantly on the dedication and creativity of the committee members. He urged them to approach their assignment with integrity, innovation and a strong sense of purpose.
The CISP Director also congratulated recipients of the Internationalisation Excellence Awards, describing the honours as recognition of their contributions to the University’s global engagement efforts. He thanked the University Management for its steadfast support and urged the University community to sustain the vision of the Centre by supporting future leadership.
The guest lecturer and immediate past Deputy Vice Chancellor (Management Services),University of Ilorin, Prof. Adegboyega Adisa Fawole, urged students to embrace the ideals of global citizenship, stressing that humanity’s shared values should transcend differences in nationality, culture, religion and background.
He encouraged students to see diversity as a strength capable of fostering mutual understanding and collective progress.
Prof. Fawole noted that every human being shares the same heartbeat and common humanity, adding that differences should not be viewed as barriers or threats but as opportunities for learning, growth and upliftment.
According to him, societies thrive when individuals recognise and appreciate the unique perspectives and experiences that others bring to the table.
Prof. Fawole commended the international students for their courage in leaving their comfort zones and travelling across borders in pursuit of knowledge at the University of Ilorin. He described their decision to study in a foreign environment as a demonstration of resilience, adaptability and commitment to personal development. He urged them to make the most of the opportunities available to them.
Also speaking, the President of the International Students’ Association (UISA), University of Ilorin, Mr Daniel Che Asanji, expressed profound appreciation to the University management for fostering an inclusive and welcoming environment that enables students from different countries to thrive academically and socially, He described the University of Ilorin as a home away from home, where cultural diversity is celebrated and students are encouraged to build meaningful relationships across international boundaries.
Other activities that took place were presentation of awards to staff members who distinguished themselves while serving at the Centre, presentation of awards to 19 out of 40 students who were awarded X-culture certificates and inauguration of the Faculties internalisation committee.
In attendance were the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic), Prof. Moji Taibat Bakare-Odunola; the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Management Services), Prof. Olalere Adeyemi; the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Research, Technology and innovation), Prof. Muhtar Adeiza Etudaiye; a former Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture, Prof. Oluyemisi Bolajoko Fawole, Deans of various Faculties, staff members and students of the University.
