Date: 2018-03-23

The Vice-Chancellor, University of Ilorin, Prof. Sulyman Abdulkareem, has advised children to live purpose-driven lives and focus on their educational pursuits in order to excel in life.

Abdulkareem gave the advice during the 2018 Social Work Day celebration at the Borstal Juvenile Institution and Hope Orphanage in Ilorin on Thursday. He was represented by Dr Aliu Abdullahi, Head, Department of Social Work of the university.

He said that the training and moral upbringing they were being exposed to would ultimately fortify them and make them useful members of the society.

The vice chancellor advised them to listen to their teachers and take their vocational studies seriously.

He said that the institute was well equipped and populated with competent staff who would add meaning to their lives.

Abdulkareem further said that the purpose of the visit was to sensitise them on the reality of life and for them to understand that 'no condition is permanent'.

Also speaking, Mrs Afolayan Yemisi, the Director, Social Work Unit, University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, said that the Social Work Day was organised to provide social therapy for members of the community in order to have a cohesive, united and harmonious society.

Earlier, the Administrative Officer of the orphanage, Mrs Grace Yeye, commended the visiting team for its thoughtfulness and goodwill.

Yeye said the visit would give the children hope that people care about their well-being.

Also, the Principal, Borstal Juvenile Institution, Mrs Folashade Akinwale, commended the visiting team for the donation of food items.

The Social Work Day is an annual event and the theme for the six-day celebration is "Promoting Community and Environmental Sustainability".