The 6th Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof. Shuaibu Oba AbdulRaheem, OFR, has expressed pride in the institution’s remarkable growth and enduring legacy, describing it as “one of the nation’s second-generation citadels of learning that continues to compete favourably with the older ones.”
Prof. AbdulRaheem made this remark on Monday, October 13, 2025, while featuring on “Countdown to UNILORIN @ 50”, a special personality interview series on UNILORIN 89.3 FM designed to celebrate the University’s Golden Jubilee. The programme was anchored by Ms. Bimbo Durojaiye.
The former Vice Chancellor, who led the University between 1997 and 2002, commended the management, staff, and students for sustaining the institution’s reputation for academic stability, discipline, and excellence. He particularly lauded UNILORIN’s commitment to maintaining a consistent academic calendar for nearly half of its 50-year existence — a feat he described as “rare and exemplary” among Nigerian universities.
“The University of Ilorin deserves to be celebrated for its numerous achievements and for setting a standard in academic stability. Its regular calendar has become a model for others to emulate,” Prof. AbdulRaheem said.
He further praised the University for producing brilliant and upright alumni who continue to excel globally in various professions and leadership roles, noting that their successes reflect the University’s enduring values of integrity and hard work.
Reflecting on his tenure, the former Vice Chancellor, who is also the Talba of Ilorin, expressed satisfaction that many of the staff members recruited during his administration now occupy strategic leadership positions within the institution.
“I feel deeply fulfilled seeing those I had the privilege to employ and mentor now steering the affairs of the University. Their progress shows that we built not just an institution but a community of capable minds,” he remarked.
Addressing the challenges facing today’s students, Prof. AbdulRaheem urged parents to collaborate with the University in nurturing and guiding their children, many of whom, he observed, are still in their formative years. He emphasized the importance of moral upbringing alongside academic training, describing character formation as “the foundation of true education.”
“Parents must play their part in moulding their children’s character. Many undergraduates are still young and impressionable; they need close guidance to grow into responsible citizens,” he advised.
Prof. AbdulRaheem, who currently serves as Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Councils of three Nigerian universities, also commended the Federal Government for its continued investment in the University of Ilorin. However, he appealed for increased funding for tertiary institutions to enable them to meet the demands of modern teaching, research, and innovation.
“Government has done well, but there is still room for improvement. Our universities need adequate funding to live up to their mandate of knowledge creation and national development,” he said.
Prof. AbdulRaheem’s reflections formed part of UNILORIN’s ongoing 50th Anniversary celebrations, a series of events honouring the University’s legacy of excellence and its contributions to Nigeria’s educational advancement.
