By Is’haq Babatunde
As Unilorin 89.3 FM, the official radio station of the University of Ilorin, celebrates its 15th anniversary on August 13, 2024, it’s worth reflecting on the station’s achievements and impact. This pioneer campus radio station in Kwara State prides itself on a reach extending beyond the university campus. The station has ultimately become a vital source of information, entertainment, and education for the university and its neighboring communities.
The station’s commitment to quality programming has earned it numerous awards and accolades. Its news and current affairs programmes have been particularly praised for their in-depth analysis and balanced reporting. This feat has transformed the station to a reference point for other institutions, within and outside Kwara State, as they understudy it for seamless and successful take-off of their campus radio stations.
In addition to its entertainment value, the station has been at the forefront of community service, broadcasting public awareness campaigns, and supporting local initiatives. During times of crisis, such as natural disasters or public health emergencies such as Covid 19, ebola, cholera outbreak, etc, Unilorin 89.3 FM has served as a vital source of information and updates.
The concept of this fastest growing radio station with the Frequency Modulation (FM) of 89.3 was birthed by the current Registrar and Chief Executive of the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Professor Is’haq Olanrewaju Oloyede in 2009. This was the period the current JAMB boss was heading the University of Ilorin as the 8th Substantive Vice Chancellor.
Professor Oloyede emerged the Vice Chancellor of his alma mater, the Better By Far University, in 2007. In 2009, two years after, he graciously established the Unilorin 89.3 FM.
It was during his reign the university of Ilorin became highly-ranked among the best in Africa and the most sought-after university in Nigeria, a position the institution is still sustaining till present. Be that as it may, the establishment of the unilorin FM was one of the numerous lofty ideas that were meticulously incubated by Professor Oloyede which advertently further brought the university to the limelight, especially in the areas of teaching, research and community service.
I have the unique privilege of sharing an insider’s perspective on Unilorin FM, having been part of the station’s team for six years. My journey began in 2014 when I joined as a reporter, and I subsequently rose through the ranks to lead the news and current affairs unit. I held this position until 2020, when I left the University of Ilorin to join Kwara State University (KWASU).
Upon joining Unilorin FM in 2014, after a stint at the Kwara State Printing and Publishing Corporation, Publishers of The Herald Newspapers, I was impressed to find a newsroom that mirrored the same level of coordination and professionalism I had grown accustomed to. The late Station Manager, Alhaji Abdulganiy Durodola, led an exceptional team, including Mr. Idris Ibrahim Alooma, Mr. Segun Alabi, and other dedicated staff members, who collectively fostered a supportive and productive work environment.
Mr. Segun Alabi, the current University Protocol Officer and founding staff member of Unilorin FM, played a pivotal role in the station’s successful launch, leveraging his expertise to establish a strong foundation. His professional acumen ensured the station’s stability and growth. Meanwhile, Mr. Idris Alooma, the current General Manager, has demonstrated exceptional skill and resilience in leading the station. Notably, he is the first Unilorin alumnus to ascend to the esteemed position of General Manager, a testament to his dedication and excellence.
Unilorin 89.3 FM flourishes as a flagship initiative of the University under the visionary leadership of Alhaji Kunle Akogun, Director of Corporate Affairs, Mr. Akogun’s unwavering commitment to excellence, professionalism, and high standards has been instrumental in elevating the radio station to its current heights, fostering a culture of quality broadcasting and community engagement.
Professor Mahfouz Adebola Adedimeji, Mr. Akogun’s predecessor, previously helmed the Corporate Affairs unit as director, leaving an indelible mark on the unit and the radio station. His legacy continues to be felt, and his contributions remain unforgettable.
The impact of former Board Chairman, the late Professor Ayo Akinwale (of blessed memory), and current Chairman, Professor Jeleel Ojuade, who also serves as the Vice Chancellor of Ojaja University, cannot be overstated. Their roles, including the roles of other members of the board, in shaping the radio station’s trajectory have been instrumental, and their influence will be remembered for a long time.
The idea of this station was initially conceived as a training ground for mass communication students, but it has now evolved into a full-fledged radio station, serving the university community and beyond.
Over the years, the station has undergone significant upgrades, expanding its coverage area and improving its programming. Today, Unilorin 89.3 FM is a state-of-the-art radio station, broadcasting 24/7 to a wide audience in Kwara State and beyond. This is possible because the station has continually been enjoying tremendous supports from the successive Vice-Chancellors starting from Professor Abdulganiy Ambali, Professor Sulyman Age Abdulkareem and Professor Wahab Olasupo Egbewole respectively.
The station’s programming is diverse, catering to various interests and demographics. From news and current affairs to music, entertainment, and educational programmes, Unilorin 89.3 FM has something for everyone.
As a training ground for mass communication students, the station has played a crucial role in shaping the careers of many young broadcasters. Students are actively involved in the station’s operations, and volunteers, gaining hands-on experience in programming, production, and presentation.
Unilorin 89.3 FM has also become an integral part of the university’s community, providing a platform for students, staff, and faculty to express themselves, share ideas, and engage in meaningful discussions.
The station has, over the years, featured and it is still featuring national and international figures notable among them include the former American Diplomat to Nigeria and Senegal, Walter C. Carrington; former President of the Court of Appeal, late Justice Muhammed Mustapha Akanbi CFR; former Minister of state for Education, Prof Rukayat Rufai, JAMB Registrar, Prof Ishaq Olarenrewaju Oloyede; and successors in University of Ilorin from Profeasor Abdulganiy Ambali, Professor Sulyman Age Abdulkareem to the current Vice Chancellor Professor Wahab Olasupo Egbewole.
Others are the Minister for FCT, Nyensom Wike; former NUC Secretary, Prof Peter Okebukola; former NBC Director Generals including Alhaji Is’haq Modibbo-Kawu who gave the 10th year anniversary lecture of the station five years ago; former Minister of Youth and Sports, Alhaji Bolaji Abdullahi; the Director General of the National Institute of Legislative and Democratic Studies Professor Abubakar Sulaiman; NUJ Presidents including the sitting President Mr Chris Isiguso; past and serving National Presidents of IEDPU; Senetor Smart Adeyemi; former House of Representatives member who represented Irepo,Oorelope and Olorunsogo, Oyo State at the National Assembly, Abuja, now SWAGA Secretary, Hon Bosun Oladele; Director General Michael Imoudu National Institute for Labour Studies (MINILS), Comrade Issa Aremu mni; many Diplomats, international lecturers; many Ministers; several Nollywood artistes, and many more.
As Unilorin FM celebrates its 15th anniversary, this milestone serves as a resounding tribute to the unwavering dedication, tireless efforts, and collaborative spirit of its staff, students, and management, who have collectively contributed to the station’s enduring success and legacy.
Is’haq Babatunde writes from the Kwara State University. He is the Personal Assistant (PA) to the KWASU Vice Chancellor ,
easyolayiwola@gmail.com 08032246833
