By Gbolahan Balogun
The Vice Chancellor, University of Ilorin, Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole has charged the graduating class of the 39th convocation ceremonies to uphold the values instilled in them during their academic journey and to contribute meaningfully to society.
At the ceremonies held on Monday, concluding on Tuesday October 22nd, 2024, Egbewole extended heartfelt congratulations to the graduating students and their parents, commending their resilience and dedication. He noted that their hard work and perseverance had earned them a place at the center of the university’s celebration.
“Your doggedness and smart work have positioned you for a celebration today,” he said.
Speaking to an assembly of over 12,000 undergraduate and postgraduate students, along with proud parents and distinguished guests, Prof. Egbewole highlighted the importance of critical thinking, problem-solving, and innovation in addressing the challenges facing Nigeria.
“Dear proud parents and graduands, you are the reason for our gathering, and we must celebrate you in unique ways,” the Vice Chancellor began. He acknowledged the hard work, perseverance, and dedication that had brought the graduates to this important milestone, urging them to not only celebrate their achievements but to also look ahead to the responsibilities they now bear as university graduates.
Prof. Egbewole emphasised that the graduates are “no longer where they were” four years ago and that they should now be ready to contribute to national development.
“Society awaits the wonders of your degrees to change the situation and restore hope for a better country,” he stated. With the challenges Nigeria faces today, he stressed the need for graduates to hit the ground running, offering solutions and adding value wherever they find themselves.
The Vice Chancellor also expressed pride in the accomplishments of the university, noting its significant contributions to Nigeria’s manpower development.
With a total of 12,042 undergraduate and 1,875 postgraduate students graduating this year, Prof. Egbewole pointed out that the institution continues to be a leader in higher education, earning accolades both nationally and internationally. He highlighted the university’s recent ranking as the third-best Nigerian university in scholarly outputs and its remarkable achievements in research, with numerous patents and groundbreaking projects in fields such as veterinary medicine and food engineering.
As the university approaches its 50th anniversary in 2025, Prof. Egbewole called on the graduates to carry forward the university’s tradition of excellence. “Let your actions and contributions to national development reflect that you are now a proud graduate of the ‘Better by Far’ University,” he urged.
He reminded them that their time at the University of Ilorin had equipped them with the skills and values needed to make a positive impact on the world.
Prof. Egbewole reiterated the university’s commitment to providing quality education and enhancing its infrastructure to meet global standards. He called on all stakeholders to support the institution’s vision of becoming the best in Nigeria and one of the top 100 universities in the world.
Earlier, the university’s Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Surv. Abiodun Aluko, in his address affirmed the role of the university in confronting societal challenges, especially during these difficult times. “I assumed responsibility as the 14th Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council of the best Nigerian University, both by reputation and by credentials, at a challenging time in the life of our dear country, Nigeria,” he noted.
He introduced the university’s Vision 1:10:100, which aims to position the institution among the top 10 universities in Africa and the top 500 globally. Aluko emphasised the importance of innovation and resource mobilisation to sustain the university’s leadership in academic excellence, research, and societal contributions.
Speaking directly to the graduates, he reminded them of their privileged position and the immense investment the nation and the university had made in their education.
"The University of Ilorin has equipped you with all you need to excel in life, both in terms of character and learning,” he said.
He encouraged them to continue developing themselves, make a difference in society, and extend their influence beyond their families to contribute to humanity.
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