From Theresa Moses in Ilorin
It was a day of joy, pride and celebration at the University of Ilorin on Friday as the institution rolled out drums for its 41st Convocation Ceremonies.
Chairman of the Governing Council and Pro-Chancellor, Surveyor Abiodun Jacob Aluko, who set the tone for the ceremony, said Unilorin has every reason to thank God. According to him, what started 50 years ago with just 200 students on a temporary site has today become one of Nigeria’s most sought-after universities with over 50,000 students.
“We are still in celebration mood,” Aluko told the cheering crowd at the main auditorium. He recalled that the University marked its 50th anniversary last November with pomp, a celebration he said was not just about age but about values – integrity, discipline, excellence and an unbroken academic calendar for more than two decades.
The Pro-Chancellor did not hide his admiration for the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN. He said in the last one year, Egbewole and his team have turned things around – from improved IGR to staff welfare and the beautification of the campus.
“Council is proud of you. You have made our oversight job very easy,” he said.
One project that drew applause was the endowment fund launched during the Golden Jubilee for a world-class Innovation and Transcript Hub. Aluko thanked alumni who have already donated and begged others, both at home and abroad, not to forget their alma mater.
“Unilorin never leaves you. No contribution is too small. Build a block, endow a scholarship, mentor a student – just give back,” he appealed.
On academics, it was a harvest of laurels. Aluko announced that Prof. Egbewole has been appointed a member of the Body of Benchers, a feat he described as pride to the university. He also disclosed that several Unilorin academics made the list of top 2% scientists in the world.
But the loudest ovation came when he spoke about the Law graduates.
“One of our own, Israel Adekunle Ajayi, emerged Overall Best Graduating Law Student in Nigeria at the 2026 Bar Finals. And not just that – 16 of our Law graduates made First Class. This is unprecedented,” Aluko said, as parents and guests clapped.
He added that Unilorin has become a leadership factory, with many of its staff now appointed as Vice-Chancellors, Registrars and Provosts elsewhere.
For global ranking, the news was cheering too. Aluko said Unilorin has jumped from 37th to 5th position in Nigeria in the latest U.S. News and World Report Best Global Universities Rankings 2026-2027, while SCImago ranked the university 1st in Nigeria and 18th in Africa for Aquaculture.
He thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, visitor to the university, for sustaining TETFund interventions, NELFUND and for keeping the university system stable with almost two years of no strike by ASUU, SSANU, NASU and NAAT. He however made a passionate appeal for more funding for research, saying no nation can grow beyond its research.
The Pro-Chancellor also gave kudos to Kwara State Governor, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, whom he described as a delightful host, particularly for hosting delegates of the Committee of Vice-Chancellors conference to a sumptuous dinner.
To the graduands, his message was simple: “Go and be worthy ambassadors of this great University. You are Better By Far.”
The 41st convocation continues with award of first degrees, higher degrees and prizes.
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