The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ilorin (UNILORIN), Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN, on Wednesday urged alumni to take the lead in shaping the next 50 years of the institution, declaring that the university has come of age and must now pursue a future anchored in innovation, global competitiveness, and strengthened alumni partnerships.
Speaking at a special Alumni Colloquium, held as part of activities marking the University’s Golden Jubilee, Prof. Egbewole described the celebration as not only a landmark event but “a confirmation of our maturity and an exemplification of our excellence.”
He noted that the institution had grown from 200 pioneer students in 1975 to a global academic community with over a quarter of a million graduates across all continents.
The Vice-Chancellor stressed that the university’s next phase requires a unified alumni platform, expanded partnerships, stronger institutional branding, and internal cohesion geared toward sustainable growth.
“Globally, alumni bodies are major drivers of innovation, employability, and institutional advancement. Our own alumni must now move from the traditional model to an integrated partnership model,” he said.
Prof. Egbewole outlined key roles for alumni going forward, including serving as mentors, fundraisers, brand ambassadors, career guides, and mobilizers of global opportunities for both students and the institution.
He also highlighted ongoing reforms aimed at strengthening administrative efficiency, including the full automation of transcript processing, establishment of an innovation hub, and plans to provide 24/7 electricity supply across the campus.
“What was a jungle 50 years ago now houses thousands of students and over 4,000 staff. But even this is no longer enough. We must elevate, redesign, automate, innovate, and build this Tower better than we met it,” he added.
Guest speaker and former Kwara State governor, Alhaji Abdulfatah Ahmed, who is also an alumnus of the university, lauded UNILORIN for its legacy of uninterrupted academic calendars, discipline, and strong institutional culture.
Describing the colloquium theme, “From Unilorin to Glocalization,” as a timely call for blending strong local roots with global relevance.
“Across this auditorium are professionals whose success stories validate one truth: Unilorin works. But the world is changing faster than ever. Artificial intelligence, climate change, migration, and economic globalization are redefining every sector. We cannot rely solely on past achievements,” Ahmed said.
The former governor emphasized that the university must position itself as a “glocal institution,” producing graduates who can apply global tools to solve local challenges.
He identified curriculum innovation, digital and data literacy, community-based learning, global institutional partnerships, and stronger industry linkages as critical steps toward achieving this goal.
“We must teach students not only to learn but to solve; not only to analyse but to innovate; not only to compete but to lead,” he said.
He also proposed the establishment of a Curriculum Innovation Unit to standardize fieldwork, strengthen international linkages, and measure the real social and economic impact of graduates.
Among the distinguished alumni featured at the event, Nihinola Nimota Akanbi celebrated UNILORIN for shaping the lives, careers, and values of thousands of graduates over the past fifty years.
Describing the institution as a place that nurtures discipline, character, and academic strength, Akanbi noted that UNILORIN has consistently distinguished itself through stability and commitment to quality education.
She commended the University management for maintaining high standards and ensuring that the institution remains a centre of learning where students receive both intellectual training and moral guidance.
Akanbi urged young alumni and current students to uphold the virtues of hard work, humility, and integrity instilled by UNILORIN, stressing that the true strength of any institution lies in the quality of its people.
She further congratulated the entire University of Ilorin family on the Golden Jubilee, describing the anniversary as “a proud moment for every product of this great institution.”
The ceremony opened with a warm welcome address by the National President of the UNILORIN Alumni Association, Prof. AbdulRazaq Olubisuyi Kilani (FCAI), who highlighted the significance of the Golden Jubilee and expressed gratitude to the alumni community for their enduring loyalty and support.
Prof. Kilani described the day’s event as a platform for reflecting on the University’s journey since its establishment, celebrating achievements, and strengthening relationships with alumni.
He reminded attendees that the University’s steady progress over the years has been made possible not only by visionary leadership but also by the commitment of graduates who continue to project the institution’s good image worldwide.
The welcome message emphasized that the 50th Anniversary is not just a celebration of age but a reaffirmation of values, unity of purpose, and shared dreams for the future of the University of Ilorin.
