Speaking at the inauguration ceremony at Government House, Dr. Saraki enjoined members of the new Governing Council to make quality and performance their watchwords to make the ivory tower one of the best in the country.  

He explained that it was only through quality academic and non-academic staff that the University can maintain standard at its embryonic Stage, pointing out that a good foundation would determine its future.  

According to him, the establishment of the University became imperative in view of the fact that the University of Ilorin, which was established over 30 years ago, could no longer cope with the increasing demand of students of the State origin seeking university admission.  

Dr. Saraki charged members of the newly inaugurated Council to be forthright and diligent in the discharge of their responsibilities, adding that it was through this that the objectives for which the highest citadel of learning was established could be realised.  

While congratulating members on their well deserved appointments, he told them to ensure that the October date for the commencement of full academic activities was not altered. 

He also thanked members of the Technical and Implementation Committees for their commitment and dedication towards ensuring that the dream of having a State University became a reality.  

The 10-man Governing Council is headed by a former Governor of the State, Alhaji Mohammed Shaaba Lafiagi while the Vice Chancellor of the University, Professor AbdulRasheed Na’Allah and the Acting Registrar, Alhaji Abiodun Olayiwola would serve as members.  

Other members are Prof. Halidu Abubakar, Alh. Shehu Gafar, Mrs Wosilat McCarthy, Mr Adetunji Fagbemi, Mr Mudashir Oladipo, Dr Ali Ahmed and Alh. Toyin Sanusi, the chairman of Ilorin West Local Government Council.  

Earlier in his opening remarks, the former Chairman of the dissolved Interim Governing Council, Prof. Shuaib AbdulRaheem enjoined members of the pioneer Governing Council to hold on to the trust bestowed on them in order to witness a smooth transition from good to best in the new University.  

Responding on behalf of his colleagues, the new Chairman of Council, Alhaji Shaaba Lafiagi,who congratulated Dr Saraki on the great innovations he has brought into governance in the State, assured him that the task of making the University a World Class institution among its peers would be achieved.  

Alhaji Lafiagi promised to lay a solid and enduring foundation that would make it possible to realise the full potentials of making the Kwara State University the best in the country.  

He also praised the governor for making Kwara State a pace-setter in the country and assured him of their unflinching support to move the University forward.

Mas’ud Adebimpe
Chief Press Secretary to the Kwara State Governor
10/08/09