By Olufemi Oni, Ilorin
The University of Ilorin (UNILORIN) is set to graduate 12,042 students in the 2022/2023 academic session during its 39th convocation ceremony, with 256 First Class and 3,842 Second Class (Upper Division), while 6,178 and 1,299 made Second Class (Lower Division) and Third Class respectively, with 62 making ordinary Pass.
This was disclosed on Thursday by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Wahab Egbewole, SAN, during a press briefing at the university’s auditorium.
According to the VC, the upcoming convocation is a significant milestone, with graduates from various faculties, including Medicine, Nursing, Pharmacy, and Veterinary Medicine, set to receive their degrees.
He added: “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.”
In addition to the undergraduate degrees, the Vice Chancellor announced that 1,875 higher degrees would be awarded, including 323 Ph.D. degrees, 1,280 Masters, and 92 Postgraduate Diplomas, emphasising 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, adding that 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 specifically recalled the university’s achievements in research, including the revival of the ₦200 million Senate Research Grant (SRG) and its 20 patents and innovations, noting that the institution’s LABTOP Centre also received recognition at the Inaugural Intellectual Property and Technology Transfer Offices (IPPTO) awards in Nigeria.
“Additionally, 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 mechanised farming training and partnering with Oriental Energy Farms to cultivate 4,000 hectares for maize and soybean production,” Prof. Egbewole explained. Amen
Prof. Egbewole, who reaffirmed the university’s commitment to becoming a leader in higher education in Nigeria, said: “Our desire to be number one in Nigeria is on course. We are taking deliberate steps to position ourselves for global ranking.”
To shore up internal re enue of the University, the Vice Chancellor disclosed that the institution’s moribund holding, named UNILORIN Holding, has been revived and adequately financed to run the investments of the University profitably.