By Abubakar Imam

Fresh alumni, who were recently despatched to the real world following their graduation from the University of Ilorin, have expressed happiness with their attendance of the University, and particularly for graduating at the time the institution is marking its Golden Jubilee.

The graduands, who spoke with UNILORIN Bulletin during the 40th Convocation Ceremonies, which took place between Wednesday (October 22, 2025) and Thursday (October 23, 2025) at the University Auditorium, said that it was a privilege for them studying at a frontline ivory tower like the University of Ilorin.

First to speak was Dr Ibukunoluwa Adedeji, who graduated from the Department of Agronomy. She said that the University made her resilient and agile, pointing out that anyone who survived the academic rigour of the University of Ilorin would survive anywhere.

Dr Adedeji, who said that she had earlier obtained her first degree in the same field of learning from the University of Ilorin in 1995 and worked at the Nigerian Sugar Research Institute, Ilorin, noted that the University has really prepared her and her colleagues for the world of work and life at large.

She, therefore, thanked her lecturers and other staff of the University who made her academic stint at the institution less stressful and positively memorable.

Dr Dahood Owolabi Beki, a Chief Lecturer at the Kwara State Polytechnic, Ilorin, who graduated with a doctorate degree in Statistics, said that his graduation was a proud moment for him and his family.

Dr Beki said that his attendance of the University was a dream come through as it had been his desire to hold a credential issued by the University.

While he disclosed that he obtained his first and second degrees from Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Dr Beki said that he felt fulfilled that he has finally become a proud alumnus of the University of Ilorin.

Mr Ayooluwa Akinsika, who graduated with a Bachelor degree in Electrical Engineering, said that though passing through the University was not easy because of the rigorous training he and his coursemates were exposed to, he was delighted that he finally graduated.

Mr Akinsika said that he would not hesitate to encourage his children and younger relations and their friends to consider enrolling at the University of Ilorin for them to also benefit from the excellent service delivery for which the University is renowned.

On her part, Miss Gift Bamigbola said that she was delighted that she is ultimately a proud holder of the degree of the University of Ilorin.

Miss Bamigbola, who graduated from the Department of Materials and Metallurgical Engineering, said that the University offered her experiences that she would never forget for the rest of her life.

Also speaking, Miss Salamat Moshood said that her attendance at the University for her first degree course in Biochemistry was a unique opportunity for her.

Miss Moshood said that she was not the first member of her family that would attend the University, pointing out that several members of her family, including her elder sister, had at one time or the other graduated from the University.

She said that she had already concluded to come back to the University for subsequent degrees to make her a prouder alumnus of the University.

On her part, Miss Aramide Mohammed said that she was very grateful that her academic sojourn at the University has finally ended in joy.

Miss Mohammed expressed gratitude to Allah for enabling her to successfully conclude her programme which she did at the Department of Agricultural Economics at a monumental episode in the annals of the University.

Also speaking, Miss Zeenat Lawal, who graduated from the Department of Physiotherapy, said that she was very proud of the fact that she has become a proud alumnus of the University.

Miss Lawal described her graduation as a continuation of a history as her family has produced many Unilorites, saying that her mother obtained all her three degrees from the University of Ilorin.

The freshly minted graduate said that she would not hesitate to come back to the Better By Far University for higher degrees as she recalled that she also attended the University of Ilorin Secondary School for her Senior Secondary School Certificate programme.

The new graduates promised to serve as good ambassadors of the University anywhere they might find themselves in the course of time.

They said that the University has done well for them and that they would reciprocate by contributing their quotas to the greatness of the University by giving back in various ways.

They also wished the University well as it continued to promote learning and character for national and human development.