By Editor
The Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, University of Ilorin, Surv. Abiodun Aluko, has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his transformative policies in the education sector, particularly the National Education Loans Fund (NELFUND) and the recently launched Tertiary Institution Staff Support Fund (TISSF).
Delivering his address at the 40th Convocation Ceremonies of the University held on Thursday, October 23, 2025, Aluko described President Tinubu’s initiatives as “creative relief packages” that have not only provided financial succor to indigent students but also enhanced the welfare of academic and non-academic staff across tertiary institutions in Nigeria.
“At our 39th Convocation last year, we celebrated your special relief package — the National Education Loans Fund (NELFUND) — a creative initiative that has been well applauded locally and internationally,” Aluko said.
“Your transformational thoughtfulness of another loan scheme, the Tertiary Institution Staff Support Fund (TISSF), to support workers, is being celebrated as a vibrant tool towards enhancing the quality of lives of our diligent staff and engendering industrial peace in our tertiary institutions.”
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The Pro-Chancellor also thanked President Tinubu for approving the payment of ₦50 billion in academic earned allowances, which had been a lingering source of agitation since 2022.
Aluko extended appreciation to the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Olatunji Alausa, for what he described as “an uncommon understanding of Nigeria’s educational landscape” and for championing curriculum reform with a renewed focus on technical and vocational education (TVET).
He also lauded Kwara State Governor, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, CON, for ensuring peace and security in the state and transforming Ilorin through urban renewal projects. The Pro-Chancellor appealed to the governor to extend the renewal plan to include the main University Road from Tanke overhead bridge.
“Your recent skillful coordination and deployment of security forces towards dislodging the cohort of kidnappers and bandits who terrorized some parts of the State is highly appreciated,” he added.
The event also featured a convocation lecture delivered by Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola, SAN, CON, former Governor of Lagos State and former Minister of Works and Housing. Aluko commended Fashola for delivering “an insightful and impactful lecture to the delight of all present.”
Highlighting the achievements of the 14th Governing Council, Aluko said the Council had worked with thoroughness and sincerity of purpose, holding retreats and engaging in both local and international visitations to strengthen the University’s governance and strategic direction.
“We have improved tremendously on both our academic and non-academic revenue drive,” he said, noting that the University’s revenue-generating units have now been reorganized under a Holding Company to ensure global best practices devoid of bureaucracy.
He reaffirmed the University’s vision of becoming the best in Nigeria, among the top ten in Africa, and one of the top hundred globally.
The Pro-Chancellor commended the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN, for providing creative and transformational leadership.
“The University of Ilorin is lucky to have Prof. Egbewole as Vice-Chancellor at this moment. He is indeed a good public relations material for the system,” Aluko stated.
He noted that under Egbewole’s leadership, Unilorin has achieved numerous academic milestones, including national recognition for the best postgraduate theses and international acclaim after a Unilorin graduate made the Guinness Book of Records for the longest mathematics tutorial session in history.
Aluko also praised the management for its successful organization of the Awards of Excellence to deserving alumni and friends of the University, which raised substantial funds ahead of the institution’s upcoming 50th Anniversary Celebration scheduled for November 23–28, 2025.
Addressing the graduating students, Aluko congratulated them for their hard work and perseverance, urging them to be good ambassadors of the University.
“You are the evidential proof of our relevance to society. The University of Ilorin is known for producing highly competitive human resources who are making us proud across the globe,” he said.
“You belong to the Artificial Intelligence generation that requires broadened worldviews and sharpened skills. You must take off flying immediately—the sky of achievement has no limits.”
He advised the new alumni to uphold the University’s values of excellence in learning and character and to continue contributing positively to national development.
Surv. Abiodun Aluko expressed gratitude to the President, the Kwara State Governor, the Minister of Education, the Chancellor, members of the Governing Council, Management, Staff, alumni, and parents for their continued support.
“At the University of Ilorin, we don’t say goodbye but see you again,” he concluded. “Until we meet at the grand finale of our 50th Anniversary, I commend you all to the protection and guidance of the Almighty God.”
