– VC highlights Digital Innovations, Research Milestones
From Taiye Joseph, Ilorin
The University of Ilorin (UNILORIN), is set to graduate 12,042 students during its 39th convocation ceremony, including 256 First Class degree holders.
This was disclosed by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Wahab Egbewole, SAN, at a press briefing held recently at the University auditorium.
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Prof. Egbewole, noted that the convocation would mark a significant achievement for the university as graduates from various faculties, including Medicine, Nursing, Pharmacy, and Veterinary Medicine, will 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 stated.
The Vice Chancellor also revealed that 1,875 higher degrees would be awarded, including 323 Ph.Ds, 1,280 Masters, and 92 Postgraduate Diplomas, commending the university for maintaining academic excellence while embracing innovation.
Highlighting the strides made in digital transformation, Prof. Egbewole pointed out several innovations aimed at improving service delivery and academic processes.
“The University of Ilorin has made remarkable progress in its digital transformation journey, which has enhanced efficiency, security, and accessibility in our operations,” he said.
Among the key achievements is the migration to the Amazon Web Services (AWS) platform, which has improved data security and minimized downtimes. The university has also deployed a scalable Enterprise Resource Portal (ERP) to streamline communication between students, staff, and administrators.
Other innovations include a digital admissions ranking system, automated student union elections, and the remote clearance process for final-year students, allowing them to complete it from anywhere in the world.
UNILORIN has also made significant strides in research, backed by the revival of the ₦200 million Senate Research Grant (SRG) in 2023 and 2024. The institution boasts 20 patents and innovations, and its Laboratory-to-Product (LABTOP) Centre recently received recognition at the Inaugural Intellectual Property and Technology Transfer Offices (IPPTO) awards in Nigeria.
The Vice Chancellor further disclosed ongoing international collaborations in veterinary research, plant breeding, and stem cell research.
In the agricultural sector, the university is collaborating with Broad Grains Limited for mechanized farming training and is involved in a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) with Oriental Energy Farms to cultivate 4,000 hectares of land for maize and soybean production.
As the convocation approaches, Prof. Egbewole reassured stakeholders of the university’s commitment to innovation and excellence.
“Our desire to be number one in Nigeria is on course. We are taking deliberate steps to position ourselves for global ranking,” he said
