VC urges students to embrace excellence
By Isaac Lewu
The Vice Chancellor of University of Ilorin, Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN, has urged students of the University to emulate distinguished personalities and organisations contributing meaningfully to the growth and development of the institution.
Prof. Egbewole, who was represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Management Services), Prof. Olalere Adeyemi last Friday (May 22, 2026) at the Committee Room of the Vice Chancellor during the Student Union Leadership and Empowerment Summit themed, “From Idea to Impact: Youth, Innovation and Governance.”
The Vice Chancellor, who specially appreciated the Chief Executive Officer of Belagio Airlines, Dr. Dare Akande, OON, and the guest speaker, Barrister Mutiu Agboke, Resident Electoral Commissioner for Ondo State, commended them for their commitment to youth empowerment and students’ development.
Prof. Egbewole noted that the sustained support given to students of the University through internships, SIWES placements, scholarships and mentorship opportunities reflected the confidence reposed in the quality of graduates produced by the institution.
The Vice Chancellor further stated that the University has remained steadfast in upholding the noble ideals and traditions laid down by its founding fathers, stressing that the present Administration is committed to transformational leadership and academic excellence.
He added that the recognition accorded students of the University by corporate organisations and public institutions was a product of the sound orientation and discipline instilled in them by the University.
The Vice Chancellor also urged the students to draw inspiration from the achievements and contributions of eminent personalities associated with the University and strive to make positive impacts in society after graduation.
He expressed appreciation to Belagio Airlines for strengthening its collaboration with the University and encouraged the company to sustain its support for students and graduates of the institution.
In his remarks, the Acting Dean of Student Affairs, Dr Alex Morenikeji Akanmu, described the Summit as a timely initiative aimed at exposing students to practical leadership experiences, innovation and governance strategies.
He commended the Student Union leadership for organising a programme capable of shaping students into responsible and visionary leaders.
Dr Akanmu also urged the students to maximise the opportunities provided by the programme by learning from the experiences of accomplished professionals and public office holders present at the event. He reiterated the commitment of the University management to initiatives that promote leadership development, entrepreneurship and career advancement among students.
In his response, the Chief Executive Officer of Belagio Airlines, Dr Akande, described the University of Ilorin as a home and family with a strong reputation for excellence and discipline. He noted that students of the University currently undergoing internship and SIWES programmes with the airline had been continued to distinguish themselves through outstanding interpersonal communication skills, professionalism and dedication to duty.
Dr Akande disclosed that one of the best-performing staff members in the airline is also graduate of the University, adding that the company’s collaboration with the institution had continued to grow stronger over the years.
He further revealed that 10 students of the University benefitted from scholarships sponsored by the airline last year, noting that the organisation’s campus recruitment initiatives were designed to train competent young professionals and give back to the University community.
On his part, the Resident Electoral Commissioner for Ondo State, Mr Mutiu Agboke, urged students to cultivate leadership qualities and integrity while still on campus.
He explained that many leadership skills are developed through experiences gained from participation in school activities, collaborations and interactions with others.
Mr Agboke also emphasised the importance of collaboration and innovation in achieving sustainable and impactful goals in society. He encouraged students to remain focused, disciplined and committed to positive values capable of preparing them for leadership responsibilities and national development.
Present at the event were theDeputy Vice Chancellor (Academic), Prof. Moji Taibat Bakare-Odunola; the Deputy Vice Chancellor(Research Technology and Innovation), Prof. Mukhtar Adeiza Etudaiye; the Registrar, Mr Mansur Adeleke Alfanla; and the University Librarian, Prof. Kamaldeen Tunde Omopupa, who was represented by Dr Titilola Abdussalam, among others.
