Former Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Ilorin Branch, Chief Rafiu Balogun, has appealed to alumni of the University of Ilorin to shift focus from financial donations alone and begin offering meaningful mentorship to younger students and professionals.
KEHINDE AKINPELU, ILORIN
Former Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Ilorin Branch, Chief Rafiu Balogun, has appealed to alumni of the University of Ilorin to shift focus from financial donations alone and begin offering meaningful mentorship to younger students and professionals.
Speaking at the University of Ilorin Ambassadors’ Investiture and Distinguished Alumni Award Ceremony, Chief Balogun said that mentorship is a more lasting and impactful way to give back to one’s alma mater and society.
“Many people think giving back is all about money, but mentorship can be even more valuable,” Balogun said. “I may not be a billionaire, but I have consistently mentored students and young lawyers. That is my own way of contributing.”
He recalled his initiative as a student leader in the 1996/97 academic session when he founded the Law Society at the University of Ilorin to provide a platform for grooming future legal minds. “We didn’t just start it; we sustained it with training, materials, and mentorship that many are still benefiting from today,” he added.
Balogun, who also chairs the Kwara State and North Central chapters of the Red Cross Society of Nigeria, stressed that service to humanity should be a guiding principle for every successful individual. He referenced the Red Cross principle of humanity, saying, “You can’t measure true success only by how much you have, but by how much you’ve given back through service.”
Quoting Professor Is-haq Oloyede, the Registrar of JAMB and fellow honoree at the event, Balogun added: “As Prof. Oloyede rightly said, every one of us must be ready to give account. Wealth comes with responsibility.”
While expressing gratitude to the university for the honour, Balogun described the recognition as a testimony to the positive legacy left by alumni who remain committed to the values of the institution. “Unilorin honoured us because they believe we have represented the university well. That’s a message to all alumni: be worthy of that honour wherever you find yourself,” he concluded.
The event was part of activities marking the 50th anniversary of the University of Ilorin.