During the annual Iftar with journalists in Ilorin, Kwara State, Prof. Wahab Egbewole, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, reiterated the institution’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for achieving its ‘Smart Agenda’.
“We need to create an enabling environment for our students to learn, for our staff to ply their trade and for the University to achieve its smart agenda,” stated Egbewole, emphasizing the importance of fostering an environment conducive to academic and professional growth.
Egbewole underscored the university’s progress, citing infrastructural development, students’ welfare, and staff recruitment among the achievements.
He mentioned the completion of the Chemical Engineering department, creation of a car park, renovation of facilities, and the construction of new hostels.
“We believe that the welfare of our students will be better taken care of,” he affirmed, highlighting the recruitment of 201 academic and non-teaching staff to bolster the university’s workforce.
In pursuit of global recognition, Egbewole emphasized the need for innovation, stating, “If we really want to be a global player, then we need to do things differently.” He stressed the importance of self-sustainability as a means to achieve global competitiveness.
Amidst the recent nationwide warning strike by NASU and SSANU, Egbewole commended the responsible behavior of the university’s unions and staff. He praised their commitment to students’ welfare, noting that the strike did not disrupt ongoing semester examinations.
“I commend the unions as well as the general staff for their responsible behavior,” he remarked. “The University of Ilorin is the most outstanding university in Nigeria today,” he proudly added, reflecting on the institution’s resilience and dedication to academic excellence.
“Our relationship with the Alumni has continued to improve between our last meeting and now, I’m pleased to inform you that the University of Ilorin produced another Minister in the Federal Republic of Nigeria, in person of Doctor Jamila Bio, Minister of Youth and Development. We also had the Chief Executive of National Sugar Development Council, in person of Mr Kamal Barike, we also have the pleasure of the Comptroller General of Nigeria Immigration Service, Kemi Nada as another addition and of course Senior Special Assistant to the president on Social Events, Princess Atiga Ajanan”, Egbewole said.
