The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof. Wahab Egbewole (SAN), says the institution’s remarkable growth over the past five decades has placed it firmly as Nigeria’s leading university, noting that the institution is now focused on breaking into Africa’s top 10 and the world’s top 500 universities.
Speaking during a press briefing held at the university auditorium as part of activities marking UNILORIN’s 50th anniversary, Prof. Egbewole described the institution’s journey since 1975 as one defined by resilience, innovation and purposeful leadership.
“Fifty years is not a small milestone. The University of Ilorin that began as a baby in 1975 has matured into an accomplished institution recognised across the world,” he said. “When we look in the mirror today, we see stability, excellence, development and progress.”
He paid tribute to the university’s founding fathers and past Vice-Chancellors for laying what he called “a solid foundation upon which today’s achievements stand.” He highlighted the university’s introduction of the Computer-Based Test (CBT) system, consistent leadership roles in global university associations, and the institution’s enduring reputation for a stable academic calendar.
According to him, “UNILORIN has every reason to be proud. We have contributed immensely to Nigeria’s development, with our graduates making waves globally.”
Prof. Egbewole also reaffirmed the university’s adherence to its INJECT values: Integrity, Networking, Justice, Excellence and Teamwork.
The Vice-Chancellor noted that the institution is now in an era of “innovative reinvention,” driven by technology, internationalisation and a renewed commitment to research, infrastructure and academic excellence.
“Our Vision 1:10:500 is not a slogan; it is a commitment,” he declared. “We aim to consolidate our position as Nigeria’s number one university, become one of Africa’s top 10, and rank among the top 500 globally.”
Anniversary activities lined up for the week include the commissioning of the Space Research Centre, an alumni day and colloquium, the launch of a N50 billion endowment fund, the commissioning of the JAMB hostel and an Innovation Hub, and an anniversary lecture to be delivered by celebrated Kenyan scholar Prof. PLO Lumumba.
The celebrations will conclude with a special Jumu’ah service on November 28.
Beyond the festivities, Prof. Egbewole urged Nigerians to unite in confronting the country’s rising insecurity, warning against foreign interference that may undermine national sovereignty. He condemned recent global narratives describing Nigerian conflicts through religious lenses, insisting that all Nigerians—regardless of identity—are victims of insecurity.
“This is the time for Nigerians to put aside ethnic, religious and political sentiments,” he said. “If we fail to unite, we risk worsening our challenges. As Chuba Okadigbo once said, if your emotions for tribe or religion come before truth, your education is useless.”
He likened misguided interventions in national security to the historical “Cobra Effect,” cautioning that poorly thought-out actions could worsen the problem.
Looking ahead to the next 50 years, the Vice-Chancellor identified key priorities such as artificial intelligence-driven knowledge, new fields of study, improved global ranking, campus safety, climate resilience and a fully automated university system.
He expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, the Emir of Ilorin, the university’s Governing Council, unions, alumni and host community for their support.
“To everyone who has supported the University of Ilorin, may you never rust,” he said. “UNILORIN is gold, and gold never rusts.”
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