The University of Ilorin (Unilorin) is set to graduate 12,042 students at its 39th Convocation Ceremonies, according to Vice Chancellor Professor Wahab Egbewole, SAN. The announcement was made during a press briefing at the University Auditorium, where Prof. Egbewole also highlighted the institution’s accomplishments in research, digital transformation, and infrastructural development.
For the 2022/2023 academic session, the breakdown of graduates includes 256 First Class, 3,842 Second Class (Upper Division), 6,178 Second Class (Lower Division), 1,299 Third Class, and 62 with a Pass. Additionally, 124 MBBS, 64 Nursing, 35 Optometry, and 30 Veterinary Medicine graduates will receive their degrees, alongside Pharmacy students, with 18 graduating with Distinction and 85 with a Pass. The convocation will also see 1,875 students awarded Higher Degrees, including 92 Postgraduate Diplomas, 1,280 Master’s, 179 Professional Master’s, and 323 PhDs.
“This is a momentous occasion not only for our graduates but for the entire university community,” said Prof. Egbewole. “We have continued to raise our academic standards and have made substantial progress in various aspects of university administration, particularly in digital transformation and research.”
Prof. Egbewole also highlighted the ongoing digital transformation efforts aimed at improving service delivery. Key achievements include migrating the University’s data to the secure Amazon Web Services (AWS) platform and launching an integrated enterprise portal to enhance communication across departments. Several processes, such as the admissions ranking system, academic staff promotions, student union elections, and transcript ordering, have been automated to improve efficiency and transparency.
The University has enhanced its Learning Management System (LMS) and provided alternative power backups at network distribution points to ensure uninterrupted digital services. Additionally, dedicated internet services have been deployed at key locations to support academic research and collaboration.
According to the Vice Chancellor, Unilorin is also making strides in research and international collaborations. The Senate Research Grant (SRG) was revived with a ₦200 million annual budget, and a Special Intervention fund of ₦50 million was introduced to support groundbreaking research. The institution, which boasts around 20 patents, was recently recognized as the Nigerian university with the most patents by the Federal Ministry of Science and Technology.
“The University of Ilorin is now recognized as one of Nigeria’s leading institutions in terms of patents, reflecting our commitment to innovation and research,” added Prof. Egbewole.
The university’s international collaborations have expanded significantly, with faculty members and students engaging in exchange programs worldwide. This year, students and staff participated in research and training in countries such as the United States, Spain, and Lithuania, further strengthening the university’s global academic network.
The University’s Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, in collaboration with international institutions, is conducting a major research project on antimicrobial resistance, funded by the International Development Research Centre (IDRC) with a grant of $1.6 million, Prof. Egbewole noted.
Several infrastructure projects will be commissioned during the convocation, including the Faculty of Law Library, Professorial Suite, and Moot Court, as well as the new Home Economics and Food Science Building. The University will also unveil solar street lighting systems and a new private hostel at the College of Health Sciences.
The 39th Convocation Ceremonies commenced on October 11, 2024, with a Jumat Service, followed by an interdenominational church service on October 13, 2024. The Convocation Lecture, titled “Nurturing Democratic Values and Education for the Future of Nigeria,” will be delivered on October 18, 2024, by Prince Lateef Olasunkanmi Fagbemi, SAN, Nigeria’s Attorney-General and Minister of Justice. A series of other events, including the Chancellor’s cocktail and command performances, will also take place.
