By Peter Omopo
Ilorin – The University of Ilorin has announced plans to graduate 11,886 students during its 40th Convocation Ceremonies, coinciding with the institution’s Golden Jubilee Anniversary celebration, which marks 50 years of academic distinction, innovation, and service to humanity.
Vice-Chancellor, Professor Wahab Egbewole (SAN), made the disclosure on Monday during a pre-convocation press briefing held at the university campus in Ilorin.
According to Egbewole, out of the 11,886 graduating students, 316 achieved First Class honours, 4,120 earned Second Class Upper Division, 5,939 obtained Second Class Lower Division, while 1,078 and 11 graduates finished with Third Class and Pass degrees respectively.
The Vice-Chancellor also revealed that the university would confer 1,520 higher degrees, comprising 182 Postgraduate Diplomas, 916 Master’s Degrees, 188 Professional Master’s Degrees, and 234 Doctorates (Ph.Ds) across various disciplines.
He added that the 2025 convocation is particularly significant as it coincides with the university’s Golden Jubilee celebration scheduled for November 23–28, 2025.
“As the University of Ilorin celebrates 50 years of academic distinction, we look back with pride at the strides we have made in nurturing leaders, advancing knowledge, and shaping national and global development,” Egbewole stated.
The Vice-Chancellor described the twin events as “not just milestones but a testament to five decades of unwavering commitment to excellence, innovation, integrity, and service to humanity.”
Highlighting institutional progress, Professor Egbewole said the university received ₦2.56 billion in TETFund intervention during the year, supporting 11 key areas including infrastructure, staff training, ICT development, entrepreneurship, and career services.
He added that UNILORIN also benefitted from a ₦300 million zonal intervention, a ₦4 billion Special High Impact Project for upgrading facilities at the College of Health Sciences, and ₦750 million for the construction of a new hostel.
“These interventions have greatly strengthened our infrastructure and capacity for quality teaching and research,” he said.
Egbewole further commended the Federal Government’s Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) initiative, describing it as a “lifeline” for students facing financial difficulties.
He disclosed that 12,983 students of the institution had benefited from the scheme, receiving a total of ₦1.59 billion in loans.
“This laudable programme has ensured that no student will drop out as a result of financial challenges,” he noted.
Reaffirming the university’s commitment to excellence, the Vice-Chancellor said UNILORIN remains focused on producing graduates who will “bridge the gap between knowledge and impact.”
“Our 50-year journey is one of resilience and relevance. We will continue to raise men and women of character and competence who will drive Nigeria’s development and global progress,” Egbewole concluded.
