Emmanuel Kehinde, Ilorin
The University of Ilorin (UNILORIN) is set to graduate 12,042 students during its 39th convocation ceremony, with 256 First Class degree holders among the graduates.
This was revealed by the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Wahab Egbewole, SAN, during a press briefing at the university’s auditorium on Thursday.
According to Prof. Egbewole, the upcoming convocation is a significant milestone, with graduates from various faculties, including Medicine, Nursing, Pharmacy, and Veterinary Medicine, set to receive their degrees.
“The 39th Convocation Ceremonies shall witness the graduation of 12,042 students across various faculties, including 256 First Class graduates. This is a testament to the hard work and dedication of both students and staff,” he said.
In addition to the undergraduate degrees, the Vice-Chancellor announced that 1,875 higher degrees would be awarded. This includes 323 Ph.D. degrees, 1,280 Masters, and 92 Postgraduate Diplomas, emphasizing the institution’s commitment to academic excellence.
Prof. Egbewole also highlighted UNILORIN’s strides in digital innovation, with the migration to Amazon Web Services (AWS) to enhance data security and reduce downtimes. Other advancements include the introduction of a scalable Enterprise Resource Portal (ERP), a digital admissions ranking system, and an automated system for student union elections.
“The University of Ilorin has made remarkable progress in its digital transformation journey, which has enhanced efficiency, security, and accessibility in our operations,” Prof. Egbewole added.
The Vice-Chancellor further noted the university’s achievements in research, including the revival of the ₦200 million Senate Research Grant (SRG) and its 20 patents and innovations. The institution’s LABTOP Centre also received recognition at the Inaugural Intellectual Property and Technology Transfer Offices (IPPTO) awards in Nigeria.
In addition, UNILORIN is expanding its international collaborations in veterinary research, plant breeding, and stem cell research. In agriculture, the university is working with Broad Grains Limited on mechanized farming training and partnering with Oriental Energy Farms to cultivate 4,000 hectares for maize and soybean production.
As the convocation approaches, Prof. Egbewole reaffirmed the university’s commitment to becoming a leader in higher education in Nigeria. “Our desire to be number one in Nigeria is on course. We are taking deliberate steps to position ourselves for global ranking,” he stated.