Yusuf Ali advocates institutionalised mentorship in varsities
By Tajudeen Babamale and Isaac Lewu
A renowned legal luminary and Kuliya of Ilorin, Prof. Yusuf Olaolu Ali, SAN, has called on public and private universities in Nigeria to institutionalise formal and well-structured mentorship programmes as a strategy for strengthening academic guidance systems and ensuring continuity despite prevailing challenges in the education sector.
Prof. Ali, who made the call while delivering the First Annual Lecture of the University of Ilorin Mentorship Centre last Tuesday (April 14, 2026), pointed out that structured mentorship plays a critical role in shaping students’ academic and professional trajectories. He noted that properly mentored students are better equipped to make informed decisions after graduation. Describing mentoring as a long-term and holistic relationship that supports the academic, professional, and psychosocial development of mentees, the celebrated legal luminary lamented that one of Nigeria’s major challenges is the emergence of leaders who were not adequately mentored. He added that the absence of proper mentorship has also contributed to the growing trend of youth migration, as many young people are not sufficiently guided to value and contribute to national development.
While commending the Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN, for establishing the Mentorship Centre in one of the most sought-after universities in Nigeria, Prof. Ali called on the Federal Government to increase funding and resource allocation to universities, saying that adequate financial support is essential for sustaining mentorship initiatives.
Prof. Ali explained that mentorship remains central to academic success, which goes beyond classroom performance to include research productivity, intellectual development, persistence, and the cultivation of self-efficacy among students.
The legal scholar also stressed the need for capacity building for mentors, urging universities to organise regular training programmes to equip them with essential skills in communication, leadership, and academic guidance.
While declaring the lecture open earlier, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN, said the establishment of the Mentorship Centre was a deliberate initiative aimed at addressing the challenge of systemic sustainability within the University.
Prof. Egbewole observed that in an era characterised by rapid changes and increasingly complex global challenges, mentorship has become more critical than ever.
According to him, students require more than academic instruction to succeed; they need guidance, encouragement, and access to role models who exemplify integrity, resilience, and excellence in both character and professional competence.
The Vice Chancellor further stated that the philosophy of mentorship within the University is not limited to students alone but extends to members of staff, both academic and non-teaching.
He added that creating a platform for interaction between older and younger staff members would foster mutual growth, where experienced personnel provide direction and institutional wisdom, while younger staff members contribute fresh perspectives and contemporary knowledge.
Prof. Egbewole added that such a dynamic and reciprocal mentorship culture would strengthen institutional capacity, promote continuity, and ensure that the University remains responsive and relevant in a rapidly evolving academic and social environment.
In his welcome address, the Director of the Mentorship Centre, Prof. Tanimola Makanjuola Akande, said that the Centre was established with a clear vision to build a strong institutional culture where mentorship is recognised as vital for both personal and organisational success. He noted that as the world becomes increasingly complex and competitive, mentorship has become indispensable in preparing individuals to navigate emerging challenges.
While commending and appreciating the Vice Chancellor and the University management for the foresight in establishing the Centre, Prof. Akande called on members of the University community to work collectively towards creating and sustaining a vibrant mentoring culture that empowers every individual. He urged them to commit to building an environment where mentorship is not treated as an afterthought but as a cornerstone of the University experience.
