The Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin (UNILORIN), Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN, has commended the University's Alumni Association for sustaining peace and unity among its members.

Prof. Egbewole gave the commendation last Wednesday, November 5, 2025, while declaring open a public lecture and award ceremony organized by the Association to mark the 50th anniversary of the University. The event took place at the Banquet Hall, opposite the Government House, Ilorin.

Represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic), Prof. Moji Taibat Bakare-Odunola, the Vice Chancellor congratulated the Association for fostering harmony among its members, describing unity as the bedrock of development.

He noted that alumni associations play vital roles in the life of any university as a strong network connecting students, graduates, and the institution itself. He added that such bodies often serve as important sources of financial support through fund-raising initiatives and contribute significantly to promoting the global image and reputation of their alma mater.

Prof. Egbewole urged members of the Association to remain proud ambassadors of the University and continue mentoring younger graduates. He appreciated the Association for its steadfast support of his administration and for consistently upholding the institution's "Better by Far" reputation.

In his welcome address, the National President of the Alumni Association, Prof. Abdulrasaq Olubusiyi Kilani, appealed to members across the world to contribute generously to the University's N50 billion endowment fund. The initiative, he explained, is aimed at driving strategic infrastructural and developmental projects.

Prof. Kilani listed the targeted projects to include the establishment of a Transcript Hub for seamless transcript processing, the development of an Innovation Hub as a 50th-anniversary legacy project, the construction of a Solar Farm to ensure energy sufficiency, expansion of the water supply system, improvement of the transport network, and the upgrading of teaching and learning facilities to sustain Unilorin's leadership in Nigeria's higher education sector.

He noted that the University's golden jubilee symbolises not just physical growth, but also the resilience, excellence, and spirit that define the Unilorin community. According to him, the anniversary offers an opportunity for reflection on past achievements, appreciation of present successes, and renewed commitment to a brighter future.

Delivering the keynote address, the Vice Chancellor of the Federal University, Lokoja, Prof. Olayemi Akinwumi, urged Unilorin alumni to remain united beyond religious and ethnic differences in order to contribute meaningfully to national transformation.

Prof. Akinwumi described the University of Ilorin as an inclusive institution that nurtures excellence, embraces diversity, and supports persons with disabilities. He attributed his professional achievements to the sound foundation he received from the University.

"Let us not expand only in numbers but also in excellence. Unilorin is ready to transform individuals and the nation," he stated.

Also speaking, the Vice Chancellor of the Kwara State University of Education, Ilorin, Prof. Medinat Folorunso Salman, who delivered a lecture on "The Impact of Education: How University Education Shaped Our Lives and Careers," described Unilorin as more than a place of learning. She said it is an institution that produces graduates who embody transformation wherever they go.

Prof. Salman, an alumna of the University, reminded fellow graduates of their three commitments to themselves, to their alma mater, and to the nation. She urged them to give back through scholarships for indigent students, funding of research addressing national challenges, and creation of global opportunities for younger generations.

In his goodwill message, the Vice Chancellor of Al-Hikmah University, Ilorin, Prof. Lateef Folorunsho Oladimeji, represented by a former Deputy Vice Chancellor of Unilorin, Prof. A. O. Raji, encouraged alumni to be exemplary role models for current students. He advised them to maintain close ties with their alma mater and cultivate meaningful professional networks.

The highlight of the ceremony was the presentation of awards to distinguished alumni, including Deputy Inspector General of Police, Dr. Ahmed Yinka Aluko; Speaker of the Kwara State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Yakubu Danladi Salihu; House Leader, Hon. Oba Magaji Abdulkadir; and the Acting Chief of Staff to the Kwara State Governor, Mrs. Adebukola R. Babalola.

The event was attended by principal officers of the University, deans, vice chancellors of sister universities, alumni, and well-wishers.