National Telescope national telescope newspaper
By Olakunle Oyedunmola |
University of Ilorin (UNILORIN) is set to hold its 39th convocation ceremony, where 256 students from the 2022/2023 academic session will graduate with First Class honors.
This was revealed by the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Wahab Egbewole (SAN), during a media briefing held at the university’s auditorium earlier today.
He also took the opportunity to announce the institution’s commitment to improving staff welfare, which he noted as a top priority for the university administration.
In his speech, Prof. Egbewole provided a detailed breakdown of the total number of graduates from various disciplines. According to him,
“For the 39th Convocation Ceremonies, the University shall be graduating a total of 12,042 students. 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, and 62 Pass.”
The Vice-Chancellor highlighted that UNILORIN continues to maintain its reputation as one of Nigeria’s leading institutions, particularly in terms of academic excellence.
The 256 First Class graduates represent students who have demonstrated outstanding academic performance and are set to be recognized at the convocation ceremony.
“This remarkable number of First Class graduates is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and commitment of both the students and the academic staff who have supported them throughout their educational journey,” Egbewole stated.
“For many Nigerians, the idea of earning a First Class degree from a prestigious university like UNILORIN is a dream come true. One of the graduating students, Adetola Adeyemi, who earned a First Class degree in Engineering, said, “It wasn’t easy, but the support I received from my lecturers and fellow students made a huge difference. I am proud to have reached this milestone, and I’m looking forward to what the future holds.”
The breakdown of the total number of graduates spans a wide range of fields. Apart from those receiving First Class honors, Prof. Egbewole provided further statistics: 124 MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery) graduates, 64 Nursing graduates, 35 Optometry graduates, 30 Veterinary Medicine graduates, and 18 Pharmacy graduates with distinctions, among others.
He also emphasized the importance of these disciplines to national development, stating,
“UNILORIN continues to produce top-tier graduates in critical fields that contribute to the nation’s development. From the medical sciences to engineering, our students are well-equipped to make meaningful contributions to Nigeria’s growth.”
The total number of higher degrees to be awarded at the ceremony is 1,875. These include 92 Postgraduate Diplomas, 1,280 Master’s degrees from various faculties, 179 Professional Master’s degrees, 1 Master of Philosophy (MPhil), and 323 PhDs.
Among the graduates is Adeola Adebayo, a Master’s degree recipient in Environmental Science, who expressed her excitement about the convocation.
“This day has been long-awaited, and I’m grateful to my lecturers and the university for giving me the tools I need to succeed in my field. I’m excited about the journey ahead.”
Beyond the excitement surrounding the convocation, Prof. Egbewole also used the occasion to emphasize his administration’s focus on staff welfare. According to him, the well-being of the university’s staff members is central to the overall success of the institution.
“We are committed to ensuring that our staff enjoys better working conditions, improved remuneration, and a supportive work environment. The welfare of our staff is a priority for this administration, and we will continue to implement policies that enhance their professional and personal lives,” he assured.
This announcement comes at a crucial time, as universities across Nigeria have faced challenges in retaining staff due to inadequate funding and low wages. UNILORIN, known for its relative stability and avoidance of prolonged strikes compared to other universities, is keen on maintaining its reputation as an institution that values both its academic staff and students.
A lecturer at the university, Dr. Ibrahim Olagunju, expressed optimism about the Vice-Chancellor’s pledge, saying,
“It is heartening to hear the Vice-Chancellor emphasize staff welfare. A motivated workforce will not only benefit the students but also enhance the overall quality of education.”
As UNILORIN gears up for its 39th convocation ceremony, the focus remains on both celebrating academic achievements and addressing key issues within the institution, such as staff welfare. The Vice-Chancellor’s commitment to improving working conditions is a positive step towards ensuring that the university continues to be a beacon of academic excellence in Nigeria.
Reflecting on the significance of the convocation, Prof. Egbewole concluded,
“This is a proud moment for all of us. We are not only celebrating our students’ accomplishments but also reaffirming our commitment to the growth and development of this great institution.”
With over 12,000 graduates ready to enter the workforce, many eyes will be on UNILORIN’s 39th convocation as a showcase of the university’s dedication to excellence and progress.
