Ahead of its Golden Jubilee celebration this year, the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Professor Wahab Egbewole (SAN), has inaugurated the institution’s Advancement Board.
The inauguration, held over the weekend in Ilorin, Kwara State, marked a significant step toward fostering innovation, building partnerships, and driving sustainable growth for the university's future.
Speaking during the ceremony, Professor Egbewole emphasized the meticulous selection of the Board’s members. “The membership of the Board was carefully chosen by putting into consideration the values of integrity, excellence, courage, and commitment,” he stated.
He added that external members were drawn from the alumni body to demonstrate the institution’s capability and commitment to excellence. “This is especially important in light of the fact that 2025 is our golden anniversary,” he said.
Describing the Advancement Board as a convergence of talent, expertise, and dedication, Egbewole highlighted its composition, which includes leaders from diverse sectors such as academia, industry, and government.
He noted, “Your role is to provide strategic guidance, innovative ideas, and invaluable networks that will propel our institution to new heights of excellence.”
The Vice-Chancellor outlined the university’s vision, emphasizing the goal of becoming a global leader in education, research, and community engagement.
He remarked, “We aspire to produce graduates who are not only skilled but also equipped to make meaningful impacts in their respective fields.”
He added that the Advancement Board would be instrumental in achieving this vision by mobilizing resources, enhancing institutional visibility, and guiding strategic initiatives in infrastructure, academic excellence, and community development.
The terms of reference for the Board were also detailed, including strategies to enhance fundraising, partnerships, and alumni engagement.
The Board will identify opportunities to expand the university’s influence, oversee resource mobilization efforts, and cultivate relationships with donors, corporate sponsors, and philanthropic entities.
Professor Egbewole stressed the importance of aligning the Board’s activities with the university’s vision, mission, and goals. He said, “This is a collective endeavor that requires vision, resilience, and collaboration.”
In a veiled reference to the ongoing tensions within the university’s Alumni Association, Professor Egbewole emphasized the need for alumni to focus on contributing positively to the university rather than engaging in internal disputes.
“Any Alumni Association worth its salt should look for ways to assist the University and not create issues or bring out the University in a negative light,” he remarked.
Professor Egbewole further charged the Board to develop a comprehensive work plan and key performance indicators to measure progress quarterly and annually.
He expressed confidence in the Board’s ability to reposition the university, stating, “I look forward to the injection of private sector approaches to how we conduct the affairs of the Board for the ultimate benefit of the University.”
The Advancement Board is chaired by Dr. Abdulwahab Ibrahim, FCA, with Alhaji Bolaji Elelu and Mr. Abiodun Adediran Olatunji, SAN, as members. Statutory members include the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Management Services) as the Vice-Chancellor’s Representative and Alternate Chairman, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research, Technology, and Innovation), the Bursar, the University Librarian, the Registrar (serving as Secretary), the Internal Auditor, one member of the Senate, one member of the Congregation, one member of Convocation, and the Director of the Advancement Centre.
Responding on behalf of the Board, Dr. Abdulwahab Ibrahim expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve and the trust reposed in the members.
He assured the university of the Board’s commitment, stating, “Members of the Board are men and women of proven integrity, and we will justify that confidence reposed in us. It is a rare privilege to give back to an institution that has given us so much.”