The Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN, has appealed to the leadership of the Students' Union of the University to encourage their peers to actively participate in the forthcoming staff evaluation process, which is aimed at ensuring optimal performance from the University staff.

The Vice Chancellor made this call in his office last Tuesday (January 2, 2023) during an interactive session between the management of the University and the UNILORIN Students' Union Executive Committee members .

While emphasising the significance of obtaining feedback from students to enhance various aspects of the University's operations, the Vice Chancellor said, “We are focused on gathering feedback from students about our campus operations. Understanding how our staff are faring is crucial to our improvement efforts. It is not a witch hunt but a sincere endeavour to enhance our system through collaboration with the students.”

Prof. Egbewole highlighted the authority's unwavering commitment to prioritising the welfare of its students under his leadership. He said that despite facing financial constraints, the University management has taken measures to alleviate the burden on students by reducing school charges.

The renowned Senior Advocate of Nigeria remarked that the institution faces financial constraints in meeting essential service needs. He said that the University incurred a monthly expenditure of N120 million to N130 million on electricity alone, totaling an annual spending of 1.2 to 1.3 billion naira.

Prof. Egbewole noted that this financial challenge persists even as the institution strives to provide other crucial services like water, internet, laboratory and classroom equipment, health facilities, and various other critical areas.

The Vice Chancellor expressed his conviction in the capacity of the leadership of the Students Union to proficiently convey the management's vision to the student community.

He underscored the significance of comprehending the University's vision to facilitate effective communication and collaboration, ultimately contributing to the advancement of the highly esteemed University in Nigeria.

Expressing his belief in the importance of responsible student unionism, the Vice Chancellor urged the student leaders to create an extensive network among their peers, saying that his administration is committed to creating a more enduring environment for their success.

The Vice Chancellor also stressed the sanctity of the academic calendar, emphasising its importance for both students and management.

“For us, our calendar is sacrosanct, and the more we adhere to it, the better for students and management,” the Vice Chancellor stated.

On his part, the President of the Students' Union, University of Ilorin, Mr Joseph Adesunkanmi Ologundudu, expressed gratitude for the platform provided by Prof. Egbewole for students to have regular interactions with management, pledging that the Union is encouraged to collaborate with the administration on various fronts.

He affirmed that “the union will always work in synergy with your administration to ensure that the vision of the university is actualised. We are ready to work with management on security, transportation, and the delivery of essential services.”

The Students Union President also seized the opportunity provided by the occasion to express his heartfelt appreciation to the Vice Chancellor and his management team for taking a significant step in reducing school charges,which, he said , has a lot of positive impact on student welfare and inclusivity.

Mr Ologundudu pointed out that the laudable gesture by the authority of the University of Ilorin exemplifies the administration's commitment to fostering inclusivity and accommodating students from diverse backgrounds.

The student leader also acknowledged the timely opening of the hostel balloting portal. He said, “We appreciate you for the earlier opening of the portal for hostel balloting. This has significantly assisted students, especially those coming from faraway places. It's the first time since I joined the university that, by the second week, students have had the opportunity to secure hostel accommodations” .

In his remarks, the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic), Prof. Olubunmi Abayomi Omotesho, admonished the UNILORIN Students Union executive to prioritise the continued education of their colleagues on the need to be well-informed about university regulations, particularly concerning the “add and drop period” during the registration process.

Expressing concern over a recurring trend, the Deputy Vice Chancellor noted that the challenges arising from students frequently requesting add and drop changes on their first day of registration are becoming too noticeable to be ignored.

Prof. Omotesho explained that the practice has been causing disruptions and complications in the registration system.

The Deputy Vice Chancellor urged students to take a more deliberate approach to their course selections as he advised them to compile a list of courses they intend to study right from the beginning of the registration period. This, he believes, will not only streamline the registration process but also contribute to the overall efficiency of academic administration.

The interactive session was also attended by the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Management Services), Prof. Suleiman Folorunsho Ambali; the Ag. Bursar, Mr. Abdulbaki Oba; the University Librarian, Dr. Kamaldeen Tunde Omopupa; the Dean of Student Affairs, Prof. Musa Toyin Yakubu, Sub Deans of Student Affairs, Dr Dolapo Ojediran and Dr. Mohammed Kabir Garba, among others.