The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Professor Wahab Egbewole, has urged the Federal Government to declare a state of emergency in the country’s education sector. Speaking at the 37th and 38th Convocation Ceremonies and Lecture, Mr. Egbewole highlighted the setbacks the education sector, particularly higher education, has faced in recent times, leading to brain drain.
“Our institutions need more resources to fulfill their mandates and funds to support academic works, research, and collaborations. We are committed to the advancement of education, cutting-edge research, and community engagement,” Egbewole stated. He expressed his confidence in the graduates of the university, emphasizing their potential to make a positive impact in their respective fields.
The Vice-Chancellor stressed the importance of critical thinking, open-mindedness, and collaboration in finding solutions to complex issues. He encouraged the graduands to think outside the box and rise to the challenges they may face. Egbewole also acknowledged the role of parents and guardians as pillars of strength and encouragement to their children.
Moreover, Egbewole proudly announced the remarkable achievements of the University of Ilorin in terms of national and international rankings. He highlighted the university’s position as the most sought-after institution in Nigeria for the 2023 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME). He attributed these accomplishments to the hard work and dedication of the faculty, staff, and students.
The Vice-Chancellor acknowledged the support of TETFUND (Tertiary Education Trust Fund), which allocated ₦954,732,123.00 to the university for 2023, covering 11 specific areas. He disclosed that the funds were being used to execute various projects and emphasized the importance of research and innovation.
Egbewole further revealed that the University of Ilorin had obtained four patents in the 2021/2022 academic session, bringing their total to 36 patents with the Federal Government. These patents demonstrate the institution’s commitment to fostering research and development.
By calling for a state of emergency in education, the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ilorin has ignited a vital conversation about the need for urgent measures to address the challenges facing the sector. It is imperative for the government and relevant stakeholders to heed this call and prioritize the revitalization of education in Nigeria. Only through concerted efforts and sustained investments can the country’s education system be revitalized and transformed to meet the needs of the present and future generations.
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