Home » Unilorin VC
Tag:

Unilorin VC

EducationNewsSports

World University Game: Unilorin committed to sports development, says Egbewole… to make unilorin best in Nigeria

by Editor
written by Editor

Ahead of the World University Community Game, the Vice-Chancellor of University of Ilorin, Professor Abdulwahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN has expressed the willingness of the institution to continue to support sports in all its ramification, even as he reaffirmed his commitment to making Unilorin the best in Nigeria and one of the most prominent in the world.

Egbewole made this known at the annual interactive Ramadan Iftar with Journalists at the VC’s Lodge on the main campus in Ilorin on Monday.

He stressed that his administration will continue to support sporting activities because he believes that the health of their students is important that sports has a way of impacting positively on.

“On the plan for sport and sporting development in the University that has made a name in sporting activities with the successful hosting of the West Africa University Games (WAUG) in 2012, we will continue to support sports development in all its ramifications”, he added.

He, however, announced that the University contingents will be part of the World University Community Games that is going to happen somewhere in Europe later this year. 

Speaker further, the Vice-Chancellor said that as an educational industry, he shall continue with his SMART agenda in the University, which is evident in the numbers of research grants that some scholars of the University have been able to secure, as well as the colleagues who have published in highly reputable journals.

He said, “We have a cumulative of one hundred million naira (N100 million) from TETfund for four of our colleagues. We have also succeeded in getting close to a billion naira in support from TETfund. We have also been identified as one of the innovation hubs by TETfund in its recent disbursement. All these are just a few of the things we have been able to do”.

Explaining how he intends to achieve his SMART university mantra, the VC said that he deliberately demonstrated in the last matriculation of the university, where he was not physically present but joined virtually, to show the students that they should be able to relate to their leaders from any part of the world because his administration is smart agenda driven.

Since he assumed office on October 17, 2022, Prof. Egbewole said there are a lot of good news to report to the world. “The good news is that we have made tremendous progress between the last time I spoke with the press and now. Among them is the asphalt laid on the university road from the main gate. We are targeting our Senate building. We stop at a location where approved money has carried us for now. We have also attempted the construction of a road into the GRA quarters, we have commenced the road to the school of preliminary study, and we have succeeded in ensuring that the academic calendar is progressing smoothly.

“Recently, we had our matriculation, we did orientation for all newly admitted students, and the continuous assessment test is ongoing”.

Speaking on the transportation challenges being faced by staff and students of the university, Prof. Egbewole hopes the Kwara state government will complete the ongoing Tunde Idiagbon bridge to complement efforts being made by the University administration to ease the movement of all members of the University of Ilorin community.

He said further that the University will introduce electric bus services and intral-train to ease transportation challenge of students and staff in the University.

According to him, “aside the effort the institution is making on the railway transportation, we are also looking at electric bus transportation. 

“Our colleagues in the Department of electrical engineering are already working on that model and because we just released the Senate research grant, we are hoping that part of the grant will be used to work on that model.”

The Vice-Chancellor, noted that in the Interim more buses would be injected as discussions had been held with some of the people that intend to introduce more buses on the road.

Earlier, the Director of Corporate Affairs, Mr. Kunle Akogun, appreciated the members of the fourth estate of the realm for their impressive turnout and for always supporting the Unilorin Agenda.

Mr. Akogun who solicited more cooperation from his colleagues, stated that their professionalism in handling critical stories at a critical time always makes his job as the mouthpiece of the University of Ilorin easier.

In a remark on the occasion, Dean of the Faculty of Communication and Information Sciences, Prof. Lukman Azeez, implored the press to use their power of framing and agenda-setting well.

The media and communication expert explained that the media, through the framing of events, can influence public opinion; hence, he enjoined the press to use their power to promote the University of Ilorin to the world.

The Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Management Services, Prof. Sulyman Ambali and the University Bursar, Mr. Akeem Sonde also joined the Vice-Chancellor in hosting the media.

0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterLinkedinWhatsappTelegramEmail
Editor's PicksEducationFeatures

An evening of royal honours for Egbewole

by Editor
written by Editor

By Kunle Akogun

Shorn of the dry pre-evening weather that brought with it a little heat that was not too inclement, the sunny Ife horizon that Sunday afternoon made an unmistakable statement to first-time visitors that something big was about to happen in the precincts of the hallowed palace of the ancient town, better known as ‘The Source’. Welcome to the grand reception hosted for one of the pre-eminent sons of the soil, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN, by the Ooniriisa Arole Oodua, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi Ojaja II, the Ooni of Ife.

As early as 3.00p.m, hordes of people had started streaming into the expansive palace grounds where modestly decorated seats had already been ornately arranged in cyclical ambience. Visitors were ushered into the square by Palace drummers and singers, who either rendered general songs or personal praises of guests depending on their level of familiarity with the new entrants. With occasional tips of few wads of Naira here and there by appreciative guests, the drummers/singers move to the next entrant in mechanical precision. There is ‘no time to waste time’ with any guest, as the popular lingo goes.

Tagged ‘Ife Icon Reception’, the event drew the crème de la crème of the society from within Ife town and beyond.

At exactly 6.36p.m., the atmosphere of the arena changed with the grand entry of the Royal Host, the Ooniriisa, Oba Ogunwusi, in company with three of his royal consorts. Resplendent in their royal white regalia, the presence of the royal personages threw the Square into a frenzy of ululation with shouts of “Kaaaabiyeesi” renting the air in mechanical sonority.

Acknowledging the cheery obeisance, the traditional ruler went round the high table, greeting everybody one after the other in a mode that was devoid of the aura of pomposity that some in his shoes are wont to display! What an uncommon display of humility in authority!

After the rendition of the National Anthem and Ife Anthem, signalling the formal commencement of the event, the Chief Imam of Ife, Alhaji AbdulSemiu AbdulHamid, in his opening prayer, broached the purpose of the event, which he said was to honour a great son of the soil, who has brought so much honour to the ancient city with his national and international attainments.

Other dignitaries, including the President of Ife Development Board, Comrade Lawrence Awowoyin, Prof. Abiola Sanni, SAN, of the University of Lagos; and Mallam Olaolu Ali, SAN, took turns to pay glowing tributes to the honoree.

In his tribute, Mallam Ali rejoiced with Prof. Egbewole on his being celebrated by the entirety of Ife people. He also congratulated the Ooni of Ife for having such an icon as Egbewole among his subjects.

While congratulating the entire Ife Kingdom for the gift of Prof. Egbewole, the legal luminary, however, urged them to support the UNILORIN Vice Chancellor to succeed rather than bombarding him with too many requests for contracts, job placements and the likes.

In his speech, the visibly elated Ooni Ogunwusi described Prof. Egbewole as a personal pride to him and the ancient city, saying it is a thing of joy for Ile-Ife to have been blessed with such an intellectual giant.

The prominent royal father pointed out that the position of Vice Chancellor is not the end of appointments for Prof. Egbewole, saying that he foresaw ministerial, ambassadorial and other top-notch appointments for him after his tenure at the University of Ilorin.

The revered traditional ruler said that the emergence of Prof. Egbewole as the 11th Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin was an act of God and the product of merit as exemplified by his rich academic and administrative antecedents.

Oba Ogunwusi, who prayed fervently for Prof. Egbewole’s success in his assignment as Vice Chancellor, urged all Ife indigenes to give their best in the training of their children to ensure that the town continues to produce more of Egbewole’s type.

Short of formally conferring an Ife title on the erudite Professor of Jurisprudence and International Law, the Ooni proclaimed Prof. Egbewole the ‘Osupa of Ile-Ife’, which literally means “the Shining Light”.

In his response, Prof. Egbewole, who was in company of his wife, Alhaja Muibat Egbewole, expressed gratitude to Almighty Allah for guiding and ordering his every step in life. He also thanked the Ooni, whom he called “the People’s King” and the entire people of Ife kingdom for organising the reception in his honour and his friends for finding time to grace the occasion.

Describing the Ooni as “a king that covets the development of his domain and its indigenes, Prof. Egbewole promised to uphold the great legacy of integrity, industry and service, for which Ile-Ife is known over the years, in the discharge of his duties.

The Vice Chancellor then prayed for long life and more prosperity for the Arole Oodua.

To Ife indigenes, Prof. Egbewole had an admonition: “Let’s make today a turning point for Ile-Ife, and the only way to make today a reference point is to make sure that we pursue an agenda that will make us have more professors and SANs and other coveted professionals in Ile-Ife”.

The University of Ilorin delegation comprised the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic), Prof. Abayomi Omotesho; the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Management Services), Prof. Sulyman Funsho Ambali; the Bursar, Mr Hakeem O. Sonde; and the University Librarian, Dr Kamaldeen Tunde Omopupa. Others were Council Members, Prof. AbdulRasheed Adeoye, Prof. A. A. Fawole, Prof. Ologe, Dr Rasheed Odunola, and Mr Mosur Alfanla.

Also on the UNILORIN delegation were a former Director of Advancement Centre, who is the current Vice Chancellor of the CrownHill University, Eiyenkorin, Ilorin, Prof. Jelil Ojuade; a former Dean of the Faculty of Communication and Information Sciences, Prof. Rasheed G. Jimoh; a former Dean of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Prof. Salami; a former Chairman of the University’s Chapter of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Prof. Usman A. Raheem; a former Sub Dean of the Student Affairs Unit, Dr Alex Akanmu; the Director of Works, Engr Rahman K. Amoo; the Director of Corporate Affairs, Mr Kunle Akogun; the Faculty Officer of the Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Mr Ibrahim; and the Principal Protocol Officer to the Vice Chancellor, Mr Oluwasegun Alabi.

Also in attendance were legal luminaries, Mallam Yusuf Olaolu Ali, SAN; Mr K. K. Eleja, SAN; the Proprietor of Iqra College, Dr Aliu Badmus; a Lagos-based legal practitioner, Mr Y. K. O. Kareem; prominent Ife traditional chiefs, religious leaders, judicial officers, prominent academics, family members, friends and well wishers of Prof. Egbewole.

Major highlights of the occasion included Ewi (traditional poem rendition in praise of Prof. Egbewole featuring a sonorous panegyric tracing his rich genealogy of ebullient generation of great achievers. There was also a special performance by traditional cultural dancers and the launch of the Ife Trust Fund by the Ooni, who donated the initial N10 million for the take-off of the Fund. And, of course, as expected of occasions like that, there was a surfeit of an assortment of sumptuous culinary delight.

*Akogun is the Director, Corporate Affairs, University of Ilorin

0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterLinkedinWhatsappTelegramEmail
EducationNews

Unilorin VC salutes Emir of Ilorin on 27th coronation anniversary

by Editor
written by Editor

The Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN, has rejoiced with the Emir of Ilorin and Chairman of the Kwara State Council of Chiefs, Alhaji (Dr) Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, CFR, on the occasion of his 27th coronation anniversary, which falls due this Friday (November 11, 2022).

In a statement signed on his behalf by the institution’s Director of Corporate Affairs, Mr Kunle Akogun, the Vice Chancellor described the reign of the Emir as peaceful, eventful and prosperous.

Prof. Egbewole said that the Emir has consistently brought to bear, in the discharge of his responsibilities, his fascinating upbringing, profound legal training and extensive exposure on the bench since he ascended the throne in 1995.

The Vice Chancellor described Alhaji Sulu-Gambari as a distinguished jurist and eminent statesman of great standing and one of those whose contributions to the progress and development of the nation’s jurisprudence would remain exciting forever.

Prof. Egbewole noted that the Emir has been a model traditional ruler and a transparent leader in the true sense of the word whose type is uncommon in contemporary Nigeria.

Speaking on Alhaji Sulu-Gambari’s almost three decades reign on the throne of his illustrious forebears, the Professor of Jurisprudence and International Law said that as someone who had sojourned in Ilorin for decades, he could say, without any iota of doubt, that the Emir has proved to be a leader who deserves the position he holds.

Prof. Egbewole explained that as a symbol of unity and a great unifier, the Emir had always regarded all those who live within Ilorin Emirate, in particular and Kwara State in general, notwithstanding their socio-cultural and religious backgrounds, as his subjects who deserve his fatherly prayers and support.

The Vice Chancellor said that the University of Ilorin, as an institution, has not only enjoyed the cooperation of the Emir and his people but has also benefited from the pacific and fraternal dispositions of the host community, which is reflecting in the prevailing peaceful atmosphere on the University campus.

Prof. Egbewole then prayed Allah to endow the Emir with long life and continuous peaceful reign in the service of humanity.

0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterLinkedinWhatsappTelegramEmail
EducationHealthNews

Unilorin VC greets Issa on appointment as MD, Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital, Budo-Egba

by Editor
written by Editor

The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof.Sulyman Age Abdulkareem, has welcomed the appointment of the Head,Department of Behavioural Sciences,University of Ilorin, Prof. Baba Awoye Issa, as the pioneer Medical Director of the newly established Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital, Budo Egba, describing it as “a befitting new year gift to the University community”.

Prof.Abdulkareem, in a statement signed by the Director, Corporate Affairs of the University, Mr.Kunle Akogun, described the appointment as well deserved, and a round peg in a round hole.

The renowned Professor of Chemical Engineering described the new Medical Director as a thoroughbred academic, outstanding administrator and virile professional who has distinguished himself in the services of the University and humanity over the years.

Prof. Abdulkareem,who is also the Chairman, Committee of Vice-Chancellors of Nigerian Universities (CVCNU), described Prof.Issa as an outstanding product of the University who also took up teaching appointment at the institution and succeeded in ending up as one of the most enterprising staff who have given their all to the University for more than two decades.

The Vice-Chancellor, who remarked that the University was very proud of the new Medical Director, said that the University was convinced that Prof.Issa would make success of his new assignment by mobilizing human and material resources towards ensuring that the new Hospital achieves its corporate objectives.

While thanking the Federal Government for the choice of a staff of his University to lay the foundation of the Hospital, Prof.Abdulkareem urged Prof.Issa to draw inspirations from the foresight of the founding fathers of the University of Ilorin by building the Hospital into a Centre of Excellence, which would attract patients,scholars and researchers from all over Nigeria and beyond.

Prof.Abdulkareem, while assuring Prof.Issa of the support of the University at all times for him and the Hospital to succeed,expressed the conviction that the renowned Professor of Behavioural Science would demonstrate the characteristic humility,probilty and integrity as well as hard work with which he is renowned in the discharge of his responsibilities.

0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterLinkedinWhatsappTelegramEmail
Load More Posts