As part of activities marking its 50th Anniversary, the management of the University of Ilorin on Wednesday July 16, 2025 honoured 65 distinguished personalities, who have demonstrated exceptional leadership qualities and skills in their chosen carreers, for their outstanding contributions to the institution and the society at large.
The honorees included two recipients of the Award of Excellence, 10 distinguished alumni, and 50 ambassadors.
In his address at the well attended ceremony, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole explained that their nomination was in recognition of their selfless services to the University and the humanity.
Egbewole, whose speech was titled “One Good Turn Deserves Another”, disclosed that the honoress have, in various ways, demonstrated a deep commitment to giving back to their alma mater by donating utility vehicles, equipment, solar systems, and scholarships to support the university’s growth.
The Vice Chancellor disclosed that Dr Tunji Olowolafe, a 1984 medical alumnus, was honored for his outstanding contributions, including a ₦200 million donation for staff development and research, a security vehicle, and support for a digital anatomy machine.
He declared further that another notable awardee, Dr. Murtala Adeniji, who is a distinguished alumnus of Obafemi Awolowo University (formerly University of Ife), was recognized for his generosity to the University of Ilorin, donating a 90KVA solar power system and a Toyota Hilux vehicle to support the institution’s growth.
“What is remarkable about these two individuals is that they gave generously without being asked,” the Vice Chancellor noted.
“Their commitment is a proof that the Unilorin dream is shared even beyond our alumni circle,” Egbewole said.
Prof. Egbewole equally revealed that the University was currently spearheading several groundbreaking projects, including the development of a Technology and Industrial Park and a Centre for Stem Cell Research.
He however encouraged all the institution’s esteemed alumni and friends to lend their support to these pioneering initiatives.
In his keynote address, the first Kuliyan Geri of Ilorin and a frontline legal luminary and philanthropist in Nigeria, Prof. Yusuf Ali, SAN underscored the significance of giving back to the community, noting that it can manifest in various ways, including good neighborliness, empathy, and fostering a culture of kindness and goodness.
Among those honoured were: the Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Prof. Emeritus Is’haq Oloyede; Dr. Tunji Olowolafe; Justice Asmau Tanwa Akanbi, Olupo of Ajase-Ipo Oba Ismail Mohammed Atoloye Alebiosu, the Coordinator-General of Mustapha Akanbi Foundation (MAF) Ahaji Abdulfatai Bello, Dr. Adeyemi Murtadha Adeniji; the Vice Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), Prof. Temidayo Oladiji.
Others included the former Managing Director of the Nigerian Liquefied Natural Gas Ltd., Mr. Babatunde Omotowa; prominent Accountant, Dr. AWA Ibrahim; former CBN Deputy Governor, Dr. Sarah Omotunde Alade; the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Immigration Services, Mrs. Kemi Nanna Nandap; the Managing Director of Thisday Newspapers, Mr. Eniola Bello; the immediate past Vice Chancellor of the University of Abuja, Prof. Abdulrasheed Na’Allah; the Vice Chancellor of Federal University, Lokoja, Prof. Olayemi Akinwumi; Prof. David Durosomo; Vice Chancellor of Ojaja University Prof Jeleel Ojuade; public affairs analyst and commentator, Bajide Otitoju; a frontline TV presenter and broadcaster Seun Okinbaloye among others.
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