In a compelling address at the joint convocation ceremonies of the University of Ilorin (UNILORIN), Professor Wahab Egbewole, the Vice-Chancellor, called on governments at all levels to declare a state of emergency in the higher education sector. He emphasized the need for more resources and manpower to combat the brain drain syndrome plaguing the country.
The convocation ceremonies, which took place at the main campus in Ilorin, celebrated the graduation of over 25,000 students from the combined 2020/2021 and 2021/2022 academic sessions. Notably, among the graduates were 450 individuals who achieved First Class Honours.
Addressing the graduating students in his speech titled ‘The End is Better,’ Professor Egbewole highlighted the significance of the occasion, stating, “It marks the culmination of years of hard work, dedication, and perseverance by the students. It is not an end, but the beginning of a new chapter in your lives.”
Moving forward, he urged the graduates to understand their role as agents of change in a world grappling with various challenges, including climate change and social inequality. Encouraging them to think critically and collaboratively, he emphasized the importance of finding innovative solutions to complex issues.
Professor Egbewole also shed light on the strides made by UNILORIN. The university recently received significant funding from the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), including N500 million for student hostel accommodation and N200 million for zonal interventions. These funds have been instrumental in executing various projects within the institution.
Highlighting the university’s commitment to research and innovation, he revealed that UNILORIN has obtained four patents in the 2022/2022 academic session, bringing the total number of patents to 36. These patents have been secured in collaboration with the Federal Government through the National Office of Technology Acquisition and Promotion (NOTAP) in Abuja.
In his convocation lecture titled ‘Modernity, Modernization, and Values,’ Professor Toyin Falola from the University of Texas, Austin, brought attention to the disparities in Nigeria’s socio-economic landscape. He observed that rapid modernization often widens the gap between urban and rural areas, leading to issues such as poverty, inadequate provision of essential services, and limited opportunities for education and healthcare.
Professor Egbewole’s call for a state of emergency in the higher education sector echoes the urgent need for comprehensive reforms to address the brain drain and improve the quality of education in Nigeria. As the nation looks towards a brighter future, it is crucial for government bodies to prioritize the allocation of resources and foster an environment conducive to academic excellence.
