UNILORIN strengthens global academic partnerships
By Isaac Lewu
The Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN, has reiterated the commitment of the University to strengthening international collaborations, describing global academic partnerships as strategic drivers of research excellence, innovation, staff and student mobility, and sustainable institutional development.
Prof. Egbewole, who was represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Research, Technology and Innovation), Prof. Muhtar Adeiza Etudaiye, stated this last Tuesday (June 30, 2026) while receiving Prof. Muhammad Sahail of the Mykolas Romerics University Luthuania, following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the University of Ilorin and the institution.
He explained that the University of Ilorin attaches great importance to partnerships that strengthen its global engagement beyond Nigeria and Africa.
The Vice Chancellor noted that the University’s previous student exchange with the institution yielded positive outcomes, explaining that the participating students returned with enriching academic and cultural experiences. He commended the hospitality extended to them by the host institution, adding that such exchanges expose students to world-class research facilities and broaden their academic perspectives.
Prof. Egbewole explained that beyond staff and student exchanges and collaborative research, the University is keen on promoting innovation that would lead to industrial partnerships capable of addressing societal challenges.
He further urged both institutions to explore opportunities for wider faculty engagement and deepen cooperation across diverse academic disciplines for mutual benefit.
The Director of the Centre for Internationalisation and Strategic Partnerships (CISP), Prof. Lateef Onireti Ibrahim, described the visit as another demonstration of the expanding global partnerships of the University and its commitment to strengthening academic collaboration through international exchange programmes.
Prof. Onireti explained that Prof. Sahail, who is participating in the Erasmus teaching mobility programme, was accompanied by University of Ilorin students who had recently completed a three-month exchange at Mykolas Romeris University.
He assured Prof. Sahail of the warm hospitality of the University and wished him a rewarding stay marked by productive engagements with staff and students.
Responding on behalf of Mykolas Romerics University, Prof. Sohail noted that while global mobility has become easier through advances in technology, the newly established partnership offers a timely opportunity for both institutions to harness science, innovation and emerging technologies for shared academic progress.
The visiting scholar said he chose to visit Nigeria over another international engagement because of the growing reputation of the University of Ilorin for academic excellence and global relevance.
He described the University’s standing as one of Nigeria’s leading institutions with an impressive international profile as a strong motivation for the visit and expressed his readiness to work with the University in the areas of sustainability, research collaboration, academic mobility and international funding opportunities.
He assured the University management that its partnerships would create valuable opportunities for staff and students, adding that he looked forward to interacting with students and members of the University community during his stay. He expressed optimism that the engagement would lay the foundation for enduring collaborations.
He pledged to share his international experience and networks in support of initiatives that would further strengthen the Unilorin global outlook and research capacity.
Also present were Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic), Prof. Moji Taibat Bakare-Odunola; the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Management Services), Prof. Olalere Adeyemi; and the Registrar, Mr Mansur Adeleke Alfanla, among others.
