VC, another UNILORIN don join Body of Benchers
By Abubakar Imam
In another national recognition of his academic erudition and professional acumen, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN, has been appointed into the influential Body of Benchers, Nigeria’s apex legal institution.
Also appointed into the Body is another Lecturer in the Faculty of Law, Prof. Olukayode Joshua Olatoke, SAN.
The appointments of the renowned silks are contained in separate letters sent to them by the Body of Benchers Nigeria, copies of which were sighted by UNILORIN Bulletin last Wednesday (April 15, 2026). The letter, dated March 31, 2026 and signed by the Secretary to the Body, Mr Daniel L. Tela, stated that the appointments, which take immediate effect, are for a period of three years.
It read in part, ‘‘I am pleased to inform you that at the meeting of the Body of Benchers held on 31st March, 2026, the Body ratified your nomination for appointment as a member of the Body of Benchers under Section 3 (1). (L) of the Legal Practitioners Act, with immediate effect.’’
Meanwhile, the Vice Chancellors of the Federal University, Oye-Ekiti, and Thomas Adewunmi University, Oko, Prof. Joshua Olalekan Ogunwole and Prof. Francisca Oladipo, respectively, have joined several prominent individuals and organisations to congratulate Prof. Egbewole on his appointment.
The two Vice Chancellors described the appointment as well-deserved as they wished him a fruitful and rewarding tenure.
Also, the Director of Corporate Affairs, University of Ilorin, Mr Kunle Akogun, has described the appointment as ‘‘another well-deservedfeather to the Vice Chancellor’s well-decorated cap’’.
Mr Akogun also congratulated Prof. Olaloke, describing him as one of the shining stars of the University.
In a statement, Mr Akogun said that the appointment of the duo is ‘‘a testament to the fascinating resourcefulness and exciting industry demonstrated by the foremost Professors of Jurisprudence and International Law over the years’’.
The Director specifically thanked the Body of Benchers for granting Prof. Egbewole the privilege of being a member of the respected institution that is peopled by outstanding legal titans.
Mr Akogun said that the appointment is, no doubt, an additional feather to the beautiful crown of honour on the Vice Chancellor who is generally seen as an epitome of hardwork, integrity and professionalism.
Prior to the latest appointment, Prof. Egbewole holds a number of top national and international appointments, including the Secretary-General of the Association of West African Universities (AWAU) and the Vice President (West Africa), Association of Africa Universities (AAU) in addition to being the pioneer Chairman of the Consortium of Kwara Universities (Ku8+).
