The University of Ilorin on Tuesday flagged off activities marking its 50th anniversary with a world press briefing in which the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN, outlined five decades of growth, institutional milestones, and the University’s vision for its next half-century.Addressing journalists at the University Auditorium, Prof. Egbewole described UNILORIN’s golden jubilee as a celebration of “maturity, resilience, and sustained excellence,” noting that the institution has evolved from a modest campus in 1975 into Nigeria’s most stable and consistently top-ranked university.Fifty Years of Growth and National Impact.
The Vice-Chancellor paid tribute to the University’s founding fathers and former administrators whose contributions, he said, provided the foundation for the institution’s remarkable rise.He highlighted the University’s leadership roles in continental and global academic bodies, including the Association of African Universities, the International Association of Universities, and the Association of West African Universities.
He also noted UNILORIN’s pioneering innovations, such as early adoption of Computer-Based Testing and its reputation for maintaining an uninterrupted academic calendar.Prof. Egbewole reaffirmed the University’s commitment to its core values Integrity, Networking, Justice, Excellence, and Teamwork which he said have guided its progress.
The press briefing is one of several events scheduled for the anniversary week. Activities so far include a thanksgiving service, an anniversary walk to the Emir of Ilorin’s palace, an interactive session with former principal officers, and the premiere of The Son of Iron, a film produced largely by UNILORIN alumni.
This week will also feature the commissioning of the University’s Space Research Centre, courtesy visits to stakeholders, alumni programmes, and, on Thursday, the anniversary lecture to be delivered by renowned Kenyan scholar, Professor P. L. O. Lumumba.
The day will also feature the launch of a ₦50 billion endowment fund, awards of excellence, and the commissioning of major projects including a new Innovation Hub and the JAMB Hostel.
VC Speaks on National Security ConcernsProf. Egbewole used the occasion to reflect on Nigeria’s current security challenges, calling for unity and collective action across political, ethnic, and religious lines. He also urged foreign partners to support Nigeria through technology and intelligence-sharing rather than actions that could undermine the nation’s sovereignty.
Looking Ahead: The Next 50 Years
The Vice-Chancellor outlined the University’s long-term aspirations ahead of its centenary in 2075. These include:sustained academic stability;deeper integration of artificial intelligence in teaching and research;impactful research output;improved global rankings;complete digital automation of university processes;a secure, climate-resilient campus; andgraduates equipped with 21st-century skills.
Prof Egbewole expressed profound appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Kwara State Governor, the Minister of Education, the Chancellor, the Emir of Ilorin, the Governing Council, staff unions, alumni, the host community, security agencies, and the 50th Anniversary Planning Committee.“As we celebrate 50 years, we stand prepared to shine even brighter in the decades ahead. Like gold, UNILORIN will never rust,” he said
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