The University of Ilorin has released the official programme of activities for its 40th Convocation Ceremonies, which formally commence today, Monday, October 20, 2025, with a World Press Conference to be addressed by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN.
The event, according to the University management, marks a milestone in the institution’s history as it celebrates four decades of producing graduates who continue to make significant contributions across various sectors of society.
In a statement issued by the Registrar, Mr. Mansur Adeleke Alfanla, the week-long celebration will run from Friday, October 17 to Sunday, October 26, 2025, featuring a series of academic, cultural, and ceremonial activities designed to highlight the University’s achievements and traditions of excellence.
Already, the University campus has taken on a festive atmosphere, with colourful decorations adorning the main roads and the Convocation Arena around the University Auditorium, setting the tone for what promises to be a memorable celebration.
One of the major highlights of the ceremonies is the Convocation Lecture, to be delivered by a former Governor of Lagos State and immediate past Minister of Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola, SAN, on Wednesday, October 22, 2025. The lecture, titled “The Gen-Z Playbook: Navigating Work and the Real World,” is scheduled to hold at the University Auditorium beginning at 9:00 a.m.
The Registrar further revealed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, is expected to commission newly completed projects across the University as part of the Convocation celebrations. The commissioning will take place on Thursday, October 23, 2025, immediately after the Convocation ceremonies.
Providing further details, Mr. Alfanla explained that the Vice Chancellor’s World Press Conference will serve as the official opening event, during which Prof. Egbewole will highlight the University’s achievements, innovations, and developmental strides over the past year.
On Tuesday, October 21, 2025, a Convocation Play titled “Joromi” will be staged at the University’s Performing and Film Arts Theatre in two sessions — the first between 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m., and the second from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
The Convocation for graduands of four-year programmes and diploma courses will hold on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, immediately following the Convocation Lecture. The following day, Thursday, October 23, 2025, will be dedicated to graduates of five- and six-year programmes, as well as postgraduate students.
The day’s activities will culminate in the investiture of Emeritus Professors, followed by President Tinubu’s project commissioning at various sites around the University by 1:30 p.m., and later, the Staff Merit Awards and Convocation Luncheon at 4:00 p.m.
The ceremonies will conclude with two religious events: a Special Jumaat Service at the University Central Mosque on Friday, October 24, 2025, at 1:30 p.m., and a Thanksgiving Service at St. Thomas Aquinas Chaplaincy on Sunday, October 26, 2025, starting at 9:00 a.m.
The University management described this year’s convocation as a celebration of “four decades of learning, impact, and innovation,” reflecting the institution’s continued commitment to academic excellence, community service, and national development.
