The University of Ilorin has commenced a week-long celebration marking 50 years of academic excellence, innovation, and leadership, with Vice-Chancellor Prof. Wahab O. Egbewole, SAN, describing the institution as “gold that never rusts.” Addressing the gathering at the University Auditorium on Tuesday, Prof. Egbewole reflected on the university’s journey from its humble beginnings in 1975 to its current status as one of Nigeria’s top-ranked universities.
“From a baby in 1975, the University of Ilorin has grown into an accomplished institution. Fifty years is a milestone that exemplifies maturity, resilience, and sustained vision,” he said, acknowledging the founding fathers, including Prof. T.N.T. Fagbohun, Prof. O.O. Akinkugbe, and Prof. A.O. Adesola, for laying the foundation of what has become a citadel of learning.
The Vice-Chancellor highlighted the university’s contributions to national development and its global footprint, noting innovations such as the Computer-Based Test system, leadership roles in continental and global academic associations, and consistent top rankings among Nigerian universities. “When we look in the mirror, what reflects back to us is stability, character, excellence, development, and progress,” he said.
As part of the golden jubilee activities, a series of events have been scheduled, including alumni reunions, medical screenings, film premieres, and lectures. Prof. Egbewole said the university is entering a new era of “innovative reinvention,” focused on leveraging technology, research for the knowledge economy, and academic stability to achieve its Vision 1:10:500—ranking among the top 10 universities in Africa and the top 500 globally.
The celebrations have also included a walkathon, engagements with former principal officers, and the premiere of the alumni-produced film The Son of Iron. Upcoming events include the commissioning of the Space Research Centre, the Alumni Secretariat, and the Innovation and Transcript Hub, as well as the launch of a N50 billion endowment fund. The week-long activities will conclude with a special Jumuah service to thank Almighty Allah for the university’s achievements.
Beyond academic excellence, Prof. Egbewole urged Nigerians to unite against insecurity, warning against external interventions that could compromise national sovereignty. “It is time Nigerians put ethnic, religious, and political differences aside to save the country from recurrent violence. We should all say an unequivocal no to extremism and be gold that never rusts,” he said.
Reflecting on the next 50 years, the Vice-Chancellor outlined ambitions for a climate-resilient university, AI-driven research, global competitiveness, and community service, insisting that the university will continue to build on its legacy of integrity, excellence, teamwork, and innovation.
Prof. Egbewole concluded by expressing gratitude to the government, alumni, staff, unions, host community, and all stakeholders who have contributed to the university’s growth. “To everyone who has supported the cause of the University, may you never rust, and continue to shine and glitter now and forever,” he said.
