By Tajudeen Babamale

The University of Ilorin  and the University of Venda, South Africa, are forging a new partnership aimed at fostering academic and research collaborations in key areas such as green technology, agriculture, law, and the exchange of students and faculty members.

               This was announced last Monday (May 5, 2025) during a visit by a delegation from the University of Venda to the Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN, in his office.

               While receiving the delegation, led by the Registrar, Venda University, Mr Joel Baloyi, the UNILORIN Vice Chancellor expressed confidence in the newly initiated partnership between the University of Ilorin and the University of Venda, South Africa, describing it as a step in the right direction that promises long-term mutual benefits.

               The Vice Chancellor, who was represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Research, Technology, and Innovation), Prof. Muhtar Adeiza Etudaiye, stated that choosing the University of Ilorin as a partner institution would be one of the best decisions the University of Venda could make.

               While explaining the value of in-person engagement in building effective and sustainable partnerships, Prof. Egbewole noted that many Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) signed virtually often fail to yield meaningful results due to lack of physical interaction and practical understanding of each institution’s strengths. According to him, physical visits and reciprocal exchanges foster trust, shared vision, and a deeper appreciation of collaborative opportunities.

               The Vice Chancellor noted that partnering with the University of Ilorin would not only provide the University of Venda with access to opportunities within Kwara State and Nigeria at large but it will also connect it to UNILORIN’s extensive global academic network. He stressed that the University’s reputation for consistency, academic excellence, and integrity makes it a valuable and reliable partner on the continent.

Prof. Egbewole expressed optimism that the partnership would yield various joint initiatives, including collaborative research, co-supervision of postgraduate students, joint editorship of academic journals, and sustainable project development. He noted that these joint efforts would contribute meaningfully to the advancement of both institutions and the African academic community at large.

               The Vice Chancellor described Kwara State, and Ilorin in particular, as a peaceful and harmonious environment that reflects the essence of social cohesion despite its cultural diversity. He said that visiting Ilorin provides a refreshing experience of unity, stability, and tranquility, making it an ideal setting for academic collaboration.

He described the students of the University of Ilorin as some of the most disciplined and responsible in the country, adding that the University boasts a vibrant and exemplary Student Union, which has attracted national recognition for its leadership.

               In his remarks, the Registrar of the University of Ilorin, Mr Mansur Adeleke Alfanla, reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to fostering impactful and mutually beneficial collaborations with academic partners across the globe.

               Mr Alfanla stated that the University of Ilorin has consistently received positive feedbacks and commendations from its existing partners, many of whom have testified that choosing to collaborate with the institution was one of the best decisions they ever made. According to him, these testimonies are rooted in the University’s culture of excellence, discipline, and hospitality.

Mr Alfanla added that students of the University are well-behaved and academically driven, while the staff uphold a high standard of professionalism and cultural sensitivity. He, however, assured the University of Venda delegation that they would find in UNILORIN not only a dependable partner but also a warm and supportive academic community dedicated to shared success.

               Speaking earlier, the Registrar of the University of Venda, Dr Joel Baloyi, expressed his institution’s enthusiasm to build strong ties with the most sought-after University in Nigeria, particularly in areas that align with developmental priorities on the African continent.

While noting the need for African universities to work together to solve common challenges and build capacity for future leadership, the Venda University Registrar said, “Our students’ union is eager to come to Ilorin to learn from your model of student governance. We also want to focus on harnessing green technology. We envision a university powered by a solar farm, and we believe Unilorin can share valuable insights in navigating electricity challenges”.

Also speaking, the Director of International Relations and Partnerships at the University of Venda, Dr. Segun Ibadire, noted that discussions on the collaboration began in 2024, following a visit by the immediate past Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic) of the University of Ilorin, Prof. Olubunmi Abayomi Omotesho, who attended an international conference in South Africa.

Dr Ibadire, however, expressed hope that the visit would mark the beginning of a long-term and mutually beneficial partnership between the two institutions as he explained the importance of academic exchange, not just with Western institutions, but also among African universities.