UNILORIN IS GOLD AND GOLD NEVER RUSTS- VC EGBEWOLE EMPHASES BUILDING LEGACY AND AT VISION AT GOLDEN JUBILEE PRESS RELEASE SESSION
BY BAYODE IFEOLUWA ESTHER,
At the event of the golden jubilee in which the university of Ilorin[UNILORIN] celebrated 50years of innovation, leadership and academic excellence during the press release session held on Tuesday, November 25 at the university Auditorium.
The event pulled a widespread media attention with representatives from NTA, The Nation, The NUJ UNILORIN chapter, The Guardian, Daily Trust, Unilorin TV, Unilorin Bulletin, Punch, amongst many others.
During the meeting, vice Chancellor Professor Wahab Egbewole highlighted UNILORIN’s vision, achievements and golden legacy for the next 50 years. He said;
”UNILORIN is gold, and gold never rusts”, he declared, the institution’s long standing commitment to excellence has helped it to acquire it widespread global recognition.
In His remarks, He paid tribute to the university founding fathers. He remarked;
“These pioneers shaped UNILORIN into a citadel of learning whose influence extends far beyond Nigeria.” He also acknowledged the countless individuals who contributed quietly behind the scenes.
He highlighted that over the decades UNILORIN has recorded numerous firsts in producing award- winning alumni, taking leadership roles in global academic bodies and introducing the Computer- Based Test [CBT] System. He remarked;
“Our vision 1:10:500 reflects our commitment to consolidate UNILORIN’S top ranking in Nigeria, position it among African’s top 10 universities ,and achieve a place in the world top 50. This is a blueprint for excellence not just a slogan.
The lecture for the golden jubilee celebration was titled “UNILORIN at 50, by African Intellectual Prof. Lumumba of Kenya. Other activities included; Launch of a N50 billion endowment fund, Commissioning o the JAMB Hostel and innovation Hub, Conferment of Awards of Excellence on distinguished Nigerians, including First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu CON, Anniversary dinner celebrating five decades of excellence.
During the course of the event, Prof. Egbewole reflected on Nigeria’s current security landscape, urging national unity against terrorism, banditry and kidnapping . Also cautioning against interference where he drew lessons from the historical “Cobra Effect”.
According to the VC, in the next 50 years the university looks forward to achieving Academic stability and AI-driven research, Exploration of new disciplines and alignment with Sustainable Development Goals, Automation of administrative processes, A motivated, disciplined workforce equipped with 21st-century facilities, Producing students with modern skills sets, Climate- resilient infrastructure and a secure campus environment.
Lastly, the Vice Chancellor expressed gratitude to all the dignitaries who came from both far and near to grace the institution’s invitation to the celebration. He said; ’May all of you never rust, and like gold, may you continue to shine and glitter now and forever. Happy golden jubilee to us all, he concluded.
