By Tajudeen Babamale

The University of Ilorin and the Strategic Intelligence Management Institute (SIMI) have formalised a new academic partnership with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), aimed at developing and implementing postgraduate academic and professional programmes in Strategic and Global Security is office.

The Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN, signed on behalf of the University, while the Provost of SIMI, Amb. Jadesola Adesuyi, mni, signed for the Institute. The MoU signing ceremony was held last Monday (December 8, 2025) at the  Vice Chancellor’s office.

Under the agreement, both institutions will collaborate on joint training sessions, workshops and seminars targeted at strengthening the capacities of SIMI alumni and other stakeholders. The partnership will also foster collaborative research, peace and security situational analysis, and the development of new academic programmes that align with Nigeria’s security and strategic priorities.

Speaking at the ceremony, the Vice Chancellor reaffirmed the University’s commitment to ensuring that the agreement translates into concrete action, describing the MoU as a significant step towards strengthening national security capacity-building.

Prof. Egbewole said, “For us, we are ready and willing to walk the talk to ensure that the MoU is not just signed but fully implemented in a way that is meaningful, impactful and beneficial to both institutions. Given the exigencies of  SIMI and its mandate, we have no doubts that this collaboration will enhance the Institute’s work and produce mutual benefits. I am convinced that the future of this relationship is bright”.

On her part, the SIMI Provost, Amb. Adesuyi, expressed delight that one of the Institute’s major aspirations at inception had come to fruition.

While expressing satisfaction that a key goal of initiating a working relationship with the University of Ilorin had been achieved, she shared SIMI’s expectation to leverage UNILORIN’s renowned academic strength, research capacity, and resources to advance national security interests.

Amb. Adesuyi added that the partnership is geared towards building a better informed, more responsive, and resilient national security framework, adding that the aim is to produce practitioners and end-users with a deep understanding of intelligence and the ability to transform intelligence outputs into effective policy actions.

The Provost of SIMI added that the signing of the MoU reflects the shared commitment of both institutions to contribute to a stronger and more secure Nigeria.

The event was witnessed by Principal Officers of the University, among other stakeholders of the two institutions.