From Taiye Joseph
The newly appointed Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of the University of Ilorin, Surveyor Abiodun Aluko, has unveiled his strategic plans to advance the institution’s status over the next four years.
Surv. Aluko, a former Deputy Governor of Ekiti State, expressed his commitment to improving the university’s national and global rankings.
Speaking during an interactive session with key members of the university community, including the Provost, Deans, Directors, Union leaders, and Student Union executives, Surv. Aluko, emphasized his determination to leave the institution better than he met it.
He acknowledged the challenges facing university administration in Nigeria, particularly the loss of autonomy due to the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS), which has limited the powers of Vice-Chancellors and led to staff shortages.
Aluko, with extensive experience in university administration, having served on the councils of several Nigerian universities, assured that he would work alongside the Conference of Pro-Chancellors of Federal Universities to address these issues.
Highlighting the council’s commitment to the university’s vision, Aluko stressed the importance of leveraging intellectual resources, political connections, and industry relationships to overcome financial challenges and enhance the institution’s capabilities.
He also emphasized the need for continuous training and retraining of staff to meet global standards.
Surv. Aluko praised the University of Ilorin’s reputation as the most stable and crisis-free institution in Nigeria, attributing this success to the dedication of its staff.
He called for continued cooperation among all stakeholders to further improve the university’s standing, with an ambitious goal of placing UNILORIN among the top 100 universities worldwide by the end of his tenure.
He also addressed the students, urging them to maintain peace and seek resolution through dialogue, recognizing their crucial role as stakeholders in the university’s progress.
Aluko, reassured all staff and stakeholders of fair treatment and the importance of dialogue in resolving any potential conflicts.
The new council chairman concluded by reaffirming his commitment to the university’s growth and progress, pledging to work diligently to ensure UNILORIN remains a top choice for Nigerian students and their parents.
