The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN, has highlighted the critical role of postgraduate research in boosting the institution’s global academic standing. He stated that the University’s ranking is closely tied to the output from its Postgraduate School.
Prof. Egbewole made this known on Tuesday, July 1, 2025, during the Postgraduate Students’ Association (POGSASS) Annual Leadership Summit, themed “Rising to Lead: Cultivating Resilient and Ethical Leaders”, held at the University Auditorium. Represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Management Services), Prof. Adegboyega Adisa Fawole, the Vice-Chancellor said postgraduate students are at the heart of the University’s research efforts and global visibility.
“Our postgraduate students are the face of our research strength. What we produce from our Postgraduate School shapes our global ranking,” Prof. Egbewole stated.
In his keynote address, the Vice Chancellor of the African School of Economics, Abuja, Prof. Mahfouz A. Adedimeji, called for a new generation of ethical and transformational leaders in Nigeria. Referencing Chinua Achebe’s “The Trouble with Nigeria”, he stressed that the nation’s major challenges stem from leadership failures rather than a lack of resources or talent.
“There is nothing wrong with the Nigerian character,” said Prof. Adedimeji, represented by the Sub-Dean of the Faculty of Arts, Dr. Abdulhameed Badmus Yusuf. “The problem is the unwillingness or inability of leaders to rise to the responsibility of personal example.”
Prof. Adedimeji urged participants to measure themselves against key leadership values such as love, discipline, responsibility, integrity, and vision. He also outlined leadership styles—including transformational, servant, democratic, and bureaucratic—and emphasized that effective leaders are defined by their attitude and consistency.
Also speaking at the event, the Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Ilorin Branch, Mr. Sulyman Muhammed Hassan Kosemani, said the summit offered an opportunity for introspection among leaders. “As a leader at the Bar, I examined myself using the values shared in the lecture. I saw where I fit in and where I must do better,” he said.
Another guest speaker, Mr. Maxuel Taye Davis, urged Nigerian youth to take initiative and become agents of change. “Nigeria must work because Africa is watching,” he said, encouraging young people to contribute through innovation and entrepreneurship rather than relying solely on politics.
Earlier, the President of POGSASS, Mr. Korede Abbas, outlined one of the summit’s main goals: the establishment of a dedicated Postgraduate Secretariat on campus. The proposed structure, he said, would serve as a hub for academic collaboration, administrative activities, and leadership development.
The event also featured award presentations and interactive sessions and was attended by the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic), Prof. Moji Taibat Bakare-Odunola; the University Registrar, Mr. Mansur Adeleke Alfanla; former Chairman of the Oyo State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, Sheikh Taofeeq Akewugbagold; and Sheikh Abdulkareem Adio (Baba Bariga), among other staff and students.
