VC fetes UNILORIN’s foreign students
The Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN, has urged foreign students in the University not to only connect with their fellow countrymen and women but to also build bridges by embracing the diverse cultures present on the campus.
Prof. Egbewole made this appeal last Monday (January 1, 2024) at a luncheon he hosted for the foreign students at the Vice Chancellor’s Lodge.
The Vice Chancellor, who highlighted the rich cultural heritage of Africa as a continent, encouraged the international students to immerse themselves in the vibrant tapestry of traditions present at the University of Ilorin.
Prof. Egbewole said, “In Africa, we have a very rich cultural heritage. If you live an inclusive life while on campus, you will discover that, in fact, Côte d’Ivoire, Republic of Benin, Guinea Conakry, Ghana, Sudan, or whatever, we are indeed the same. Because at the end of the day, that is who we are as Africans”.
While recognising the inevitable challenges that international students may face during their stay, the Vice Chancellor advocated resilience. He said “Your stay here will be faced with challenges. That is why we are here in the world in the first place. But the hallmark of greatness is for you to confront those challenges and not let them weigh you down”. He encouraged them to adapt to such challenges and turn them into opportunities to become stronger people.
The Professor of Jurispudence and International Law also appealed to foreign students to conduct themselves as good members of the University of Ilorin community and be prepared to serve as good ambassadors of the University at the end of their studies.
In his address, the President of the International Students Association, Mr Sheriff Ibrahim, applauded the Vice Chancellor and his team for the warm invitation extended to him and his colleagues to celebrate the New Year together.
Mr Ibrahim, who is a 400-level Computer Science student of the University and a Cameroonian, conveyed his sincere gratitude,on behalf of all international students, to the Vice Chancellor for the recent decision that significantly reduced international student school fees by 50%, saying that the gesture brought them a lot of financial relief.
Mr Ibrahim also thanked the Director of the Centre for International Education (CIE), Prof. Lateef Onireti Ibraheem, and the entire CIE staff for their unwavering support for him and his colleagues.
Speaking earlier, the Director of the Centre for International Education (CIE), Prof. Ibraheem Lateef Onireti, expressed his gratitude to the Vice Chancellor for revitalising the hosting of international staff and students.
While encouraging the concerned students to feel at home, Prof. Onireti admonished them to see Nigeria as their country, adding that, “We are brothers, and this is why we want you to celebrate the New Year in grand style. To whom much is given, much is expected. Therefore, we urge you to be good ambassadors to your country while here in Nigeria and after your graduation”.
Addressing the ambitious vision of the University of Ilorin, Prof. Onureti called on international students and staff to join hands in making the institution the number one University in Nigeria, the fifth in Africa, and one of the best 200 in the world.
The Director also outlined specific targets for the CIE, stating, “We are determined to have at least 50 international staff in the next three years, and international students should constitute at least 20% of the total student population on campus. To foster global collaboration and contribute to the university’s vision, we plan to send at least 300 staff to international conferences within the next three years.”
In a goodwill message, the President of the Student Union, University of Ilorin, Mr Ologundudu Joseph Adesunkanmi, joined others to extend heartfelt gratitude to the Vice Chancellor for fostering a platform that embraces diversity and promotes peace and love among students.
The Student Union President also commended the management for its efforts at ensuring that the University gains recognition not only locally but also on the international stage.
While expressing his appreciation for the Vice Chancellor’s responsiveness to student concerns, Mr. Ologundudu said, “Thank you for always listening to our pleas. The platform created is an invaluable opportunity to foster diversity, peace, and love among the students. It signifies the commitment of the management to elevate UNILORIN’s reputation not just within Nigeria but globally”.
The Student Leader also acknowledged the positive steps taken by the Vice Chancellor in addressing financial concerns, stating, “You did it for Nigerian citizens by reducing our school charges, and we are delighted to hear that you extended this gesture to international students as well”.
Also speaking, the Director of Linguistic Immersion Centre, Prof. Badmas Olanrewaju Yusuf, expressed optimism about the growing international students community at the University in the next academic session as he credited the Centre’s progress to the support received from the Vice Chancellor.
While highlighting the geographical span of interest, Prof. Badmus said, “From Cotonou to Côte d’Ivoire, to Ghana, there is a commitment by people who recognise the value of their children learning other African languages. Additionally, there is a keen interest from universities across Africa to collaborate with the University of Ilorin”.
The event was graced by Principal Officers, Deans of Faculties, Directors of Centres, Staff of the Centre for International Education as well as their colleagues from the Linguistic Immersion Centre, among others.