A high-powered delegation from the University of Ilorin was in Ghana last Friday (January 15, 2015) on a thank-you visit to President John Dramani Mahama over his role in ensuring the success of the recent 40th Anniversary/31st convocation ceremonies of the University. The Ghanaian President not only graced the twin occasions, he also delivered the well-received 40th Anniversary Lecture.

The delegation, led by the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. AbdulGaniyu Ambali (OON), comprised Prof. Y. A. Quadri, the Chairman of the 40th Anniversary Committee; Prof. Job Atteh, the Chairman of the Ceremonials Committee; Dr. Jeleel Ojuade, the Director of Unilorin Advancement Centre; and Mr. Kunle Akogun, the Deputy Director, Corporate Affairs.

Prof. Ambali told the Ghanaian President that the Unilorin team was in Ghana to register the University's appreciation to him for attending the Anniversary and Convocation ceremonies of the University held last October.

"We came to say thank you, Your Excellency, for attending our 40th Anniversary and 31st Convocation ceremonies", the Vice-Chancellor told President Mahama, adding, "Your presence made the two events memorable, as it added colour to them".

Prof. Ambali added that "up till now, the whole country is still talking about the Anniversary Lecture you delivered on the occasion." In his response, President Mahama thanked the Unilorin delegation, saying that it was a remarkable privilege for him to have been invited to the University's Founder's Day ceremony.

The Ghanaian leader said that since his visit to Nigeria last October, he had taken time to constantly monitor the progress of the University of Ilorin, saying that the University "stands out as a very distinguished centre of learning."

He also said, "Since then, I have been following developments at the school and I have become an honorary member of the institution, stressing that "we have created a partnership as I have become a part of Unilorin."

President Mahama, who was in company of the Majority Leader of the Ghanaian Parliament, Hon. Alban Bagbin, remarked that the invitation by the University of Ilorin "also gave me a good opportunity to visit my homeland, Offa after my last visit in 1981."

The Vice-Chancellor later presented some souvenirs to President Mahama, which included photo albums of the anniversary and convocation ceremonies as well as some traditional Nigerian cloths.