The Vice-Chancellor of University of Ilorin, Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole (SAN), has congratulated the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, on the occasion of his 86th birthday, describing him as a unifying leader whose reign has strengthened peace and development in Ilorin and Kwara State.
In a statement issued by the university’s Director of Corporate Affairs, Kunle Akogun, the Vice-Chancellor praised the monarch’s contributions to the growth of the Ilorin Emirate and the state, noting his longstanding role in promoting stability and inclusiveness across the community.
Prof. Egbewole highlighted the Emir’s distinguished career in public service, particularly his work as a former Justice of the Court of Appeal before his ascension as the 11th Emir of Ilorin in August 1995.
He also commended the monarch’s leadership style, describing him as a father figure to both indigenes and non-indigenes, and credited his inclusive approach with supporting Ilorin’s emergence as one of Nigeria’s fastest-growing cities.
The Vice-Chancellor expressed appreciation for the Emir’s consistent support for the university community, noting that the prevailing peace across institutions within the Emirate reflects the monarch’s longstanding commitment to harmony and development.
He further acknowledged the Emir’s role as Chancellor of Bayero University Kano and Muhammad Kamalud-Deen University, describing his contributions to higher education as significant and enduring.
Prof. Egbewole also noted that the university’s Centre for Ilorin Studies was established to promote and preserve the cultural and intellectual heritage of the Ilorin Emirate while strengthening ties between the institution and its host community.
He assured the Emir of the university’s continued support for initiatives that promote community development and prayed for more years of service to humanity.
