By Gbolahan Balogun -
The University of Ilorin has commenced its 39th Convocation Ceremonies, marking a significant milestone in the academic journey of 12,042 students graduating from the institution in the 2022/2023 academic session.
Briefing the press on the ceremony, Vice Chancellor, Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN, highlighted the remarkable achievements of the university and the resilience of its students, faculty, and staff in navigating the challenges of the academic year.
“This convocation is not only a celebration of academic success but also a reaffirmation of our commitment to educational excellence and innovation,” Prof. Egbewole said.
He praised the hard work and dedication of the students, stating that their accomplishments reflect the university’s mission to mold leaders capable of making impactful changes in their respective fields.
Among the 12,042 graduates, 256 earned First Class honours, 3,842 achieved Second Class Upper Division, and 6,178 obtained Second Class Lower Division. Additionally, 1,299 students graduated with Third Class honors, while 62 earned a Pass.
The convocation will also witness the graduation of students from various professional fields, including 124 medical graduates (MB;BS), 64 nursing graduates, 35 optometry graduates, 30 veterinary medicine graduates, and 18 pharmacy graduates with distinction. A total of 1,875 students will be awarded higher degrees, including 323 PhDs.
Prof. Egbewole lauded the continuous efforts of the university in maintaining high academic standards and fostering an environment of innovation, inclusivity, and collaboration. He emphasized that the university’s vision of being the top university in Nigeria, among the top ten in Africa, and one of the top 500 globally is steadily being realized through its dedication to excellence.
“Over the past year, the University of Ilorin has made significant strides towards achieving our vision 1:10:500, setting records in academic standards and research development,” he noted.
He acknowledged the university’s progress in digital transformation, which has been pivotal in enhancing the institution’s service delivery systems. The migration of the university’s data to the globally recognized Amazon Web Services (AWS) platform has improved data security and system reliability, positioning the university as a leader in ICT integration within the Nigerian public sector.
In recognition of these efforts, the University of Ilorin was honouvczncred as the “Best Federal University in ICT Integration” at the Nigeria GovTech Public Service Awards 2024, organized by the Bureau of Public Service Reforms. Prof. Egbewole expressed pride in the university’s digital achievements, particularly the development of the Enterprise Resource Portal (ERP), which has streamlined communication and administrative processes.
Highlighting other achievements, the Vice Chancellor spoke about the groundbreaking research and innovative teaching methods that have earned the university national and international commendations. Notably, the Department of Chemistry received official recognition from the American Chemical Society (ACS) for its exemplary curriculum, infrastructure, and safety culture.
The convocation ceremonies, which commenced on 11th October 2024 with a special Jumat service, will continue with a series of events, including the Convocation Lecture by Prince Lateef Olasunkanmi Fagbemi, SAN, the Honorable Minister of Justice and Attorney-General of the Federation, on the topic “Nurturing Democratic Values and Education for the Future of Nigeria.” The lecture will be followed by a chancellor’s cocktail, an opera performance, and various award ceremonies celebrating the academic achievements of the graduates.
Prof. Egbewole also announced that the university will celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2025, showcasing its contributions to education and community development. The entire year will be dedicated to commemorating the institution’s achievements over five decades.
In his concluding remarks, the Vice Chancellor reminded the graduates of their responsibility to lead with integrity, innovation, and empathy as they embark on the next phase of their lives. “As graduates of the University of Ilorin, you have been equipped not only with knowledge but with the critical thinking skills and ethical foundations needed to navigate a complex global landscape. You are now ambassadors of this great institution, and we are confident that you will make us proud,” he said.
The 39th Convocation Ceremonies will conclude with a thanksgiving church service on Sunday, 27th October 2024, at St. Thomas Aquinas Chaplaincy.
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