President Bola Tinubu has inaugurated seven newly completed projects at the University of Ilorin as part of activities marking the institution’s 40th convocation ceremonies.
The projects, which cut across different faculties and departments, include the Faculty of Social Sciences Building; a block of four lecture halls for the Faculties of Social and Management Sciences; the Department of English Drama Studio in the Faculty of Arts; and the renovated Blocks 1–10.
Others are the renovated Department of Geography and Environmental Management Building, the remodelled UNILORIN Innovation Hub, and the Technical Entrepreneurship Centre Road.
Speaking during the inauguration on Sunday, President Tinubu, represented by the Vice Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology, Akure, Prof. Adenike Oladiji, said the newly inaugurated facilities reflect his administration’s commitment to advancing education and innovation in Nigeria.
‘These projects symbolise the spirit of progress and innovation we envision for our nation’, he said. ‘I urge Nigerians to believe in the Renewed Hope Agenda and support efforts to move the country from grass to grace’.
President Tinubu charged the university authorities to ensure the proper maintenance and sustainability of the facilities, describing education as a major pillar of his administration’s development agenda.
‘These projects underscore the essence of a true university system dedicated to the service of humanity. Proper maintenance and monitoring will ensure they serve generations to come’, he added.
Also speaking, the Chancellor of the University and Emir of Katsina, Alhaji (Dr) Abdulmumin Usman, represented by the Waziri of Katsina, Senator Ibrahim Idah, commended the university’s commitment to academic excellence and skill-based education.
He described the projects as ‘worthwhile initiatives’ that would enhance teaching, learning, and research, noting that UNILORIN’s emphasis on innovation would prepare its graduates for life beyond the classroom.
‘UNILORIN has remained a model of discipline and productivity. The focus on skill development and entrepreneurship reflects the future we desire for Nigerian youths’, the Emir said.
In his remarks, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Wahab Egbewole (SAN), appreciated President Tinubu for identifying with the institution’s vision of continuous improvement and infrastructural growth.
‘We remain committed to continuous improvement and will ensure the university grows stronger and better each day’, Egbewole assured.
Dignitaries at the event included the university’s Pro-Chancellor, Surveyor Abiodun Jacob Aluko, principal officers, members of the academic community, and well-wishers from within and outside the institution.
The project inauguration formed part of the week-long activities marking UNILORIN’s 40th convocation ceremonies, which also celebrate decades of the university’s reputation as one of Nigeria’s most stable and academically driven institutions.
