UNILORIN holds 39th convocation with 256 First Class

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 degree holders among the graduates.

This was disclosed by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Wahab Egbewole, SAN, during a press briefing at the university’s auditorium on Thursday.

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, “For the 39th Convocation Ceremonies, we shall witness the graduation of 12,042 students across various faculties. In the First Degree/Diploma category, we have 256 First Class, 3,842 Second Class (Upper Division), 6,178 Second Class (Lower Division), 1,299 Third Class with 62 Pass. This is a testament to the hard work and dedication of both students and staff.”

The Vice Chancellor announced that 1,875 higher degrees would be awarded at the 39th Convocation Ceremonies, including 323 Ph.D. degrees, 1,280 Masters from various faculties, 92 Postgraduate Diplomas, 179 professional masters, 1 MPhil and 323 PhDs,” he said, 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 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,” he disclosed.

Prof. Egbewole reaffirmed the university’s commitment to becoming a leader in higher education in Nigeria added, “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 revenue 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.