The first Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof. Oladipo Akinkugbe, has rejoiced with the institution on the singular distinction of being one of the best universities in the country today.

The octogenarian Professor, who made the submission last Friday (October 23, 2015) while delivering his goodwill message at the 40th Anniversary/31st convocation ceremonies of the University, said he has continued to be proud of the University, "as all our highest expectations four decades ago are all being realised to the full.

Disclosing that a whole chapter on how the University started and how it came to acquire the "largest University campus in tropical Africa" are contained in his biography, Prof. Akinkugbe said, "I must thank my successors and those who have gone to the great beyond...but I rejoice with the University on this singular distinction of being one of the best universities in this country."

In his own goodwill message, the Kwara State Governor, Alhaji Abdulfatah Ahmed, said that the 40th anniversary of the University is a time to reflect on the University's journey so far, celebrate its accomplishments and set fresh tasks for itself.

The Governor said, "As an alumnus of this great citadel of learning, I am proud of the achievements of this institution, adding that, this University "contributed immensely in making me the person I am today." And as a show of appreciation to his alma mater, the Governor announced the endowment of the "Dr Abdulfatah Ahmed Support Fund for the Faculties of Physical Sciences and Life Sciences", worth N10 million.

He said, "It is my hope that this fund will encourage indigent students and expand access to quality higher education such as provided by this prestigious University, adding, "I have no doubt that in 40 years from now, this great institution will still be better by far" .

Also delivering his goodwill message, the Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC), Prof. Julius Okojie, said that the regulatory body was proud to be associated with the University of Ilorin. Prof. Okojie, who was represented by the Deputy Executive Secretary, Prof. Chiedu Felix Mafiana, noted that the institution has presented a very clean environment suitable for academic work, adding that "we are happy at the continuous maintenance of a stable academic calendar".

The NUC boss drew attention to the dwindling resources available to the Federal Government, and charged universities in the country to be innovative in such a way as to encourage the government to increase their funding. He said, "We believe from what we have seen and the students you have produced, that the University of Ilorin is doing exactly what it is expected to do."