VC commends corps member’s humanitarian support to students
By Isaac Lewu
The Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN, has commended a member of the National Youth Service Corps, Miss Deborah Ibukunoluwa Aderogba, serving at the Department of French for demonstrating exceptional compassion and commitment towards students with special needs through several humanitarian initiatives.
Prof. Egbewole gave the commendation penultimate Friday (May 15, 2026) during a brief appreciation ceremony held at the Vice Chancellor’s Committee Room.
The Vice Chancellor described the gesture as a reflection of genuine kindness and selfless service to humanity, noting that the initiatives had positively impacted the University community within a short period.
Prof. Egbewole particularly applauded the corps member for organising outreach programmes for students with special needs as well as initiating blood donation and other support services targeted at vulnerable members of the University community. According to him, the efforts showed that meaningful contributions to society are not determined by wealth or status but by the willingness to serve humanity with sincerity and compassion.
Prof. Egbewole said the University deeply cherished such acts of generosity because they reflected the values of inclusiveness, empathy and social responsibility for which the institution is known, adding that the management considered the gesture significant and worthy of recognition because it came from the abundance of the heart and a genuine desire to make life better for others.
The legal luminary encouraged Miss Aderogba not to relent in the pursuit of humanitarian services, stressing that kindness and a good heart remain among the greatest contributions anyone can make towards the growth of any society.
Prof. Egbewole also reiterated the commitment of the University to inclusiveness and equal opportunity, explaining that the establishment of the Centre for Students with Special Needs was aimed at ensuring that no student is excluded on the basis of physical condition or disability. He disclosed that the University had continued to create an enabling environment for all categories of students and staff to thrive irrespective of their challenges.
The Vice Chancellor further noted that disability should never be seen as a limitation to greatness, adding that life itself is unpredictable and that anyone could become physically challenged at any time. He revealed that the University had recently employed a visually impaired individual as part of efforts to demonstrate that physical challenges should not prevent anyone from achieving success.
Prof. Egbewole urged members of the University community to continue to support one another and uphold the institution’s culture of compassion, dignity and respect for humanity.
In his remarks, the Head of the Department of French, University of Ilorin, Dr Adelaide Keudem Dongomo, described Miss Aderogba as a rare and compassionate young woman whose commitment to humanity has continued to inspire both students and lecturers within and outside the Department.
Dr Dongomo noted that through her creative works and dedication to art therapy, the corps member has brought hope, comfort, and confidence to physically challenged individuals, helped them to discover hidden potentials and a renewed sense of purpose.
She pointed out that Miss Aderogba’s ability to combine artistic expression with emotional healing demonstrates exceptional intelligence, empathy, and service to humanity.
She, therefore, commended the corps member for using her talents to positively impact lives during her service year, adding that her efforts reflect the true spirit of selfless service and national development.
The Director of the Centre for Students With Special Needs (CSSN), University of Ilorin, Prof. Taiwo Toyin Ambali, praised Miss Aderogba for being an ambassador of excellence, creativity, and kindness, while encouraging other young people to emulate her passion for touching lives through meaningful initiatives.
Prof. Ambali expressed confidence that Miss Adrogba’s contributions would continue to leave lasting memories in the hearts of those she has helped as she also prayed that her future endeavours would bring her greater success and recognition.
Responding, Miss Aderogba, who is a graduate of French and Portugese from Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, said that she has always been passionate about making positive impacts wherever she finds herself.
She explained that her interest in using arts as a medium of healing and communication was borne out of her desire to support vulnerable persons and help them discover their abilities despite physical challenges.
Miss Aderogba charged staff and students of the University to continually extend love and assistance to vulnerable individuals in the society.
According to her, no effort geared towards helping humanity is ever wasted, noting that every little contribution made towards improving the lives of others would always be appreciated and remembered. She added that kindness, compassion, and service to humanity remain essential values needed for building a more inclusive and caring society.
The corps member also appreciated the management and staff members of the Department of French for the encouragement and support given to her initiative, promising to sustain her humanitarian efforts beyond the service year.
Others in attendance were the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Management Services), Prof. Olalere Adeyemi; the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Research, Technology and Immovation), Prof. Muhtar Adeiza Etudaiye; the Registrar, Mr Mansur Adeleke Alfanla; the Bursar, Mr Abiodun Lawal, who was represented by a Deputy Bursar, Mrs Sherifat Alege; and the Ag. Dean of Student Affairs, Dr Alex Morenikeji Akanmu; among others.
