Campus News

UNILORIN to partner Sterling, Alternative Banks on student empowerment, innovation

By Mustafa Abubakar

The University of Ilorin is set to enter into a strategic partnership with Sterling Bank Plc and Alternative Bank, with a shared commitment to building future generations through structured internship opportunities, digital skills training, research collaboration, and industry exposure.

This development followed the visit by top executives of the financial institutions to the Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN, penultimate Thursday (June 19, 2025).

In his welcome address, the Vice Chancellor described the visit as a milestone in the University’s quest to link academic excellence with the real world innovation.

Represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Research, Technology and Innovation),Prof. Muhtar Adeiza Etudaiye, the Vice Chancellor said, “This collaboration marks a critical step towards bridging the gap between theory and practice. In today’s rapidly changing world with Artificial Intelligence, ethical finance, and digital platforms shaping the job market, this engagement is not just necessary; it is timely”.

Prof. Egbewole stressed that the focus of the University is to prepare graduates who are industry ready, ethically conscious, and globally competitive. He welcomed the banks’ initiative to support not just students, but also academic and administrative staff through training, mentorship, and co-developed research projects.

“This is more than an academic handshake. We are talking about actionable collaboration that will benefit our students, boost staff innovation, and contribute meaningfully to national development”, he added.

In their seperate remarks, Mr Adebajo Dipo, the Chief Human Resource Officer of Sterling Bank; Mrs Adedamola-Adeniyi Korede, the Executive Director, Alternative Bank; and Mrs Ademola  Ejiro, the Chief Human Resource Officer of Alternative Bank, emphasised that the partnership is rooted in long-term vision and practical impact.

“We are not here for symbolism. We are here to plant seeds of transformation to partner with a forward-thinking institution like UNILORIN to build pipelines for talent, drive innovation, and foster ethical leadership”, they said.

The banks noted that the future of work is already here, and institutions must act quickly to ensure that Nigerian graduates are not left behind.

They outlined their commitment to creating access to internship and graduate trainee programmes, mentorship and career advisory initiatives, financial literacy campaigns, entrepreneurship and fintech training, executive capacity building for staff, and support for collaborative research on ethical banking, and innovation.

“We believe UNILORIN is a natural partner because of its track record of discipline, academic strength, and youth development. Together, we can shape a future where Nigerian graduates are creators of value, not just job seekers”,  the delegation stated.

The University and the visiting institutions are expected to formalise their collaboration through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with a joint working group to implement key initiatives on student empowerment, staff development, digital innovation, and entrepreneurial engagement.

The meeting was attended by the  Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic), Prof. Moji Taibat Bakare-Odunola; the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Management Services), Prof. Adegboyega Adisa Fawole; the University Registrar, Mr Mansur Adeleke Alfanla; the Ag. Dean, Student Affairs, Dr Alex Akanmu; and the Sub-Dean, Student Affairs (Male), Dr Muhammad Kabir Garba.