NUC hails UNILORIN for outstanding contributions to academic excellence
Stephen Olufemi Oni, Ilorin
The Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC), Professor Abdullahi Yusufu Ribadu, has commended the University of Ilorin for its outstanding contributions to academic excellence, innovation, and research partnerships as the institution celebrates its 40th convocation and golden jubilee anniversary.
The NUC Executive Secretary, who was represented by the Vice Chancellor of Al-Hikmah University, Ilorin, Professor Abdulateef Oladimeji, described the University as a beacon of academic distinction and intellectual growth.
He said: “Over the years, the University of Ilorin has recorded many outstanding achievements and continues to distinguish itself as a true centre of excellence.
Its commitment to critical thinking, scholarship, and innovation has produced graduates who are making meaningful contributions in different sectors.”
He disclosed that the university attracted over N12 billion in grants from both national and international partners within the past two years, which he described as a mark of credibility and global recognition. The NUC, he added, would continue to support universities in maintaining quality standards and upholding the values that strengthen Nigeria’s higher education system.
“The University of Ilorin’s legacy of excellence continues to inspire confidence in the Nigerian University System,” he said. “It stands as proof that with vision and commitment, world-class achievements are possible.”
In his address at the ceremony, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Professor Wahab Olasupo Egbewole (SAN), charged the graduating students to uphold integrity, discipline, and innovation as they begin new chapters in their lives.
“At 40, a person is mature and ready to take on greater responsibility. Likewise, our university has come of age,” he said. “The future begins now. Be disciplined, focused, and deliberate in shaping your destiny.”
He lauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his administration’s reforms in the education sector and expressed appreciation to the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, the Emir of Katsina and Chancellor of the University, Alhaji Abdulmumin Kabir Usman, and the Kwara State Governor, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, for their continuous support.
Highlighting the achievements of some of the students of the University, Egbewole celebrated Mr. Sanusi Akanbi Kaase, who broke the Guinness World Record for the longest mathematics lesson lasting over 31 hours, and veterinary students, Karimot Abisola and Idris Nahimah Opeyemi, who won a $5,500 Global Morris Foundation Scholarship. He also commended engineering student Qudus Aduraghemi, whose team won €1,200 in a European innovation challenge.
“These young achievers reflect the UNILORIN spirit of excellence,” he said. “They remind us that with perseverance and purpose, humble beginnings can lead to global recognition.”
The Vice Chancellor revealed that 11,886 students graduated during the 40th Convocation, including 316 First Class graduates, 4,120 Second Class (Upper), 5,939 Second Class (Lower), and 1,078 Third Class. The university also produced 175 medical doctors, 94 nurses, 40 optometrists, 64 physiotherapists, and 1,520 postgraduate degree holders.
He noted that over 13,000 students benefited from the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) worth N1.5 billion, while TETFund provided N2.5 billion for infrastructure and ICT development. He also disclosed that a special N4 billion Higher Education Project is currently upgrading the College of Health Sciences.
“Our workforce remains our pride,” Egbewole said. “Their resilience, creativity, and dedication continue to drive our success story.”
In his goodwill message, the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Surveyor Abiodun Aluko, commended President Tinubu’s education reforms, describing them as “revolutionary interventions improving access and welfare in tertiary institutions.
He lauded the introduction of the Tertiary Institutions Staff Support Fund (TISSF) and the payment of N50 billion Academic Earned Allowances (AEA) as major steps towards promoting industrial peace in universities.
“The TISSF initiative is a vibrant tool that enhances staff welfare and ensures stability in the university system,” Aluko said.
He also commended Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for his effective security management in Kwara State, urging him to extend his urban renewal plan to the university’s main access road.
Reflecting on the university’s growth, Aluko praised the Vice Chancellor for advancing Unilorin’s global reputation. “Under Professor Egbewole’s leadership, our graduates are achieving global recognition, including a Guinness World Record. The Council will continue to support his vision of placing Unilorin among Africa’s best and the world’s top 100 universities,” he stated.
He urged the graduates to see themselves as ambassadors of innovation and service. “You belong to the Artificial Intelligence generation,” he said. “Don’t just hit the ground running—take off flying immediately.”
The 40th convocation and 50th anniversary celebration brought together dignitaries, scholars, and alumni from across Nigeria and beyond, reaffirming the reputation of the University of Ilorin as one of the nation’s leading centres of excellence in research, innovation, and character development.