...NUC Commends University’s Excellence and Innovation
The University of Ilorin ( UNILORIN) on Thursday held its 40th Convocation Ceremony amid celebrations marking the institution’s 50th anniversary, with the Vice Chancellor, Professor Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN, declaring that “the future begins now.”
Speaking at the grand convocation event on Thursday, 23rd October, 2025, Professor Egbewole congratulated the 2025 graduating class and their families, emphasizing that the ceremony was a celebration of hard work, resilience, and the enduring values that define the University of Ilorin’s unique identity.
Reflecting on the institution’s growth over the decades, the Vice Chancellor drew a symbolic comparison between the university’s 40-year milestone and the maturity expected of a 40-year-old individual, urging graduands to step into the world with courage, discipline, and integrity.
“At 40, both a person and an institution are expected to show maturity, strength, and responsibility. The University of Ilorin has come of age. Our future must be guided and protected for the overall development of society,” he said.
Professor Egbewole highlighted notable student achievements, including that of Mr. Sanusi Akanbi Kazeem of the Department of Mathematics, who recently broke the Guinness World Record for the longest mathematics lesson -- lasting 31 hours, 42 minutes, and 54 seconds.
He also celebrated Babalola Karimot Abisola and Idris Nahimah Opeyemi of the Department of Veterinary Microbiology, who jointly won the $5,500 Global Morris Foundation Scholarship.
This year’s convocation features 11,886 first-degree graduates, including 316 First Class, 4,120 Second Class (Upper Division), 5,939 Second Class (Lower Division), 1,078 Third Class, and 11 Pass degrees.
Additionally, the university produced 175 MB:BS, 94 Nursing, 40 Optometry, 36 Veterinary Medicine, 64 Physiotherapy graduates, and 13 Diploma holders.
A total of 1,520 higher degrees were also awarded, comprising 182 Postgraduate Diplomas, 916 Master’s degrees, 188 Professional Masters, and 234 Ph.Ds.
The Vice Chancellor acknowledged the role of government support and partnerships in sustaining the university’s progress.
He disclosed that nearly 13,000 students benefited from the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) during the 2024/2025 session, amounting to ₦1.5 billion in financial aid.
The institution also received over ₦2.5 billion from TETFund for infrastructure, ICT, and entrepreneurship development.
He further announced a ₦4 billion Special High Impact Project (SHIP) for upgrading the College of Health Sciences and an additional ₦750 million for new medical student hostels.
Professor Egbewole praised the university’s staff and management team for their unwavering dedication, describing Unilorin’s faculty as “rare breeds unmatched anywhere in the country.”
He concluded with a charge to the graduands:
“Be bold, courageous, focused, and driven by integrity. Let the investments of your parents, teachers, and this institution count in your life journey.”
He also praised the university’s digital transformation efforts and effective use of ₦1 billion worth of TETFund-supported equipment for its Innovation Hub.
“The University of Ilorin continues to distinguish itself as a true centre of excellence. Its graduates are not only academically sound but morally grounded, ready to contribute meaningfully to society,” Ribadu said.
He urged the graduands to uphold the university’s motto of being “Better by Far”, maintain strong ties with their alma mater, and carry forward the institution’s spirit of hard work, integrity, and service to humanity.
The NUC boss also congratulated the honorary doctorate awardees, commending their contributions to national development and challenging them to continue promoting the university’s values globally.
“May the insights shared by our Convocation Lecturer, His Excellency Babatunde Raji Fashola, SAN, guide and inspire all of us in shaping a better Nigeria,” he concluded.
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