The management of the University of Ilorin has honoured 54 exceptional members of staff for their outstanding contributions to the growth and development of the institution.
The colourful event, which marked the 16th Annual Merit Award and Recognition Programme, was held on Thursday, October 23, 2025, at the University Multipurpose Hall. It also served as the grand finale of the University’s 40th Convocation Ceremonies.
In his opening remarks, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN, commended both academic and non-teaching staff for their dedication, resilience, and commitment to sustaining Unilorin’s reputation as one of Nigeria’s leading universities.
He described the ceremony as a testament to management’s deep appreciation of the staff’s invaluable roles in the University’s progress. “This event demonstrates our belief that to whom much is given, much is expected,” Prof. Egbewole said.
He urged staff members to uphold Unilorin’s tradition of excellence and hard work, assuring them that management would continue to reward diligence, innovation, and moral integrity.
Commending the Award Committee for sustaining the initiative, the Vice Chancellor described the Merit Award as one of the most enduring and inspiring traditions in the University’s history. “This is who we are — a University that values merit, honours dedication, and remains Better by Far,” he affirmed.
The awards covered all sections of the University community, including academic, non-teaching, and retired staff, as well as the Overall Best Graduating Student.
Among the honourees were the former Vice Chancellor, Prof. Is-haq Olanrewaju Oloyede, alongside other distinguished scholars such as Prof. Adekunle Bashiru Okesina, Prof. Rhoda Olape Oduwaiye, Prof. Onimisi Ekuh Abdullahi, Prof. Enoch A. Afolayan, Prof. Ayodele Babatunde Omotoso, Prof. Emmanuel Oti Okoro, Prof. Ayodele Jimoh, Prof. Ayotunde Francis Oyelade, Prof. Sidikat Laraba Fola Adeyemi, Prof. Yunus Adebunmi Fasasi, Prof. Chukwuemeka Joachim Ejieji, and Prof. D. O. Durosaro.
Others recognised included Dr. AbdulGafar Olawale Fahm of the Department of Religions, who won the Researcher of the Year Award; and Dr. Folusho Bankole of the Department of Agronomy, who emerged as Innovator of the Year.
Dr. O. M. Alabi and Mrs. Hellen Titilayo Olowoseye were honoured as Quality Assurance Ambassadors for their exemplary service and commitment to institutional standards.
In the students’ category, Miss Kayode Elizabeth Omolara of the Department of Civil Engineering was named the Overall Best Graduating Student, having attained a remarkable CGPA of 4.95.
In his remarks, the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Surveyor Abiodun Aluko, congratulated the awardees and commended management for promoting a culture of recognition and motivation.
He described the awards as a “noble step that encourages diligence and inspires others to aspire for excellence,” adding that such initiatives would strengthen the University’s reputation ahead of its golden jubilee celebrations.
The Registrar, Mr. Mansur Adeleke Alfanla, noted that the Merit Award scheme, introduced about 15 years ago, was designed to celebrate long-serving and dedicated staff. He said it recognises excellence among professors, top-performing researchers, innovators, non-teaching staff, and outstanding students.
The Chairman of the Ceremonials Committee and Deputy Vice Chancellor (Management Services), Prof. Adisa Adegboyega Fawole, expressed gratitude for the successful conclusion of both the Merit Award ceremony and the 40th Convocation events.
The ceremony was attended by principal officers, deans, directors, heads of departments, retired professors, and other members of the University community.