Encomiums poured on Professor Sulyman Abdulkareem on Saturday as he bowed out as the 10th Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Kwara State following the end of his five-year tenure.
Abdulkareem’s five-year tenure ended on Saturday while Professor Wahab Egbewole, SAN took over today as the 11th Vice Chancellor of the 47-year-old University.
The University of Ilorin was established in 1975 by the Federal Government.
Various people drawn from the University community including students, academia and traditional rulers extolled the virtues of the outgoing Vice-Chancellor whom they described as a brilliant, intellectual and hard-working Nigerian, who is honest and dedicated to duty.
At the exit ceremony and the public presentation of a documentary book on the tenure and achievements of the outgoing Vice-Chancellor and the unveiling of a book titled: “Prof Abdulkareem: Footprints of a Giant”, (VC UNILORIN 2017-2022) organised by the management.
The Olomu of Omu-Aran, Oba Adeoti, who spoke on behalf of the traditional rulers and as an old student of Government Secondary School, Ilorin which Abdulkareem attended said that though “the little boy showed the traits of a ‘Lagos boy’ he was however respectful to his seniors.
Professor Bolaji Sule, Deputy Vice Chancellor, Academics said, “the Vice Chancellor is a man of focus and has a mind of himself.”
In his book review, Mr Dapo Olorunyomi, the Publisher and Editor-in-Chief of the Premium Times, described Abdulkareem as a brilliant and versatile man right from his secondary school days.
According to him, the Vice-Chancellor is renowned for his consistency which he said is central to his character.
“He hates cheating and oppression and strives to protect people in need,” he said.
Olorunyomi also noted that Abdulkareem is committed to his faith, and is modern, adding that he, however, questions some things in the west.
Kunle Akogun, the Director of Corporate Affairs of UNILORIN, who authored the book explained that the book carefully chronicles the achievements of Abdulkareem, during his five-year tenure.
According to him, it also itemises the several honours and laurels, that the multiple award-winning Professor of Chemical Engineering earned for himself and the University in the course of his stewardship.
Akogun said that the book project, known as the UNILORIN leadership series began in 2017 with the first book on the tenure of the 9th Vice Chancellor, Professor AbdulGaniyu Ambali.
“Prof. Abdulkareem has been an erudite scholar who has contributed in no small ways to the general development of the University,” he said.
Akogun congratulated Abdulkareem on the successful completion of his tenure, adding that the book was written in his honour.
“This book, which was conceived as a parting gift to the outgoing Vice-Chancellor from the Directorate of Corporate Affairs, will be a worthy and invaluable reference material.
“Especially for those who are interested in having a bird’s eye view of the comprehensive story of the University of Ilorin, with particular reference to its specific strides between 2017 and 2022.
“So many people, each in their various ways, have contributed to making this book project a reality. And I am greatly indebted to them all,” he said.
Also speaking, Taofeek Omoluabi, the President of the Students Union Government of the University extolled the vice chancellor, adding he operates a No-door policy.
He explained that Abdulkareem is ever ready to meet with the student body and eager to solve their issues.
In his remarks, Abdulkareem, the outgoing Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ilorin expressed delight and gratitude to the management and well-wishers, for the honour bestowed on him.
He recalled that his administration was rubbished by COVID-19 and the prolonged strike of the Staff Unions adding that the staff of the institution have exhibited hard work and support during his tenure while commending Akogun for the honour of writing the book.
“The University has such versatile and wonderful people, who are dedicated to duty,” he said.
“I have tried to use power to the best of my ability which God has endowed me, those that I did not meet their needs should please forgive me,” he pleaded.
The institution’s Registrar, Dr Folaranmi Olowoleni, commended all the erudite scholars who gave testimonies about the achievements of the exiting Vice-Chancellor.
