The University of Ilorin (UNILORIN) has announced that a total of 11,886 students will graduate during its 40th Convocation ceremonies, an event that coincides with the institution's Golden Jubilee Anniversary, marking 50 years of academic excellence, innovation, and service.

The Vice Chancellor, Professor Wahab Egbewole (SAN), disclosed these figures on Monday during a press briefing held to herald the convocation ceremonies.

Professor Egbewole confirmed that the graduating students cut across various faculties and academic programmes, with 316 students bagging First Class honours. Additionally, 4,120 and 5,939 students will graduate with Second Class Upper and Lower Divisions, respectively. He added that 1,078 students earned Third Class degrees, and 11 others finished with Pass degrees.

The Vice Chancellor also provided a breakdown of specific graduating programs:

1. MB;BS: 175 graduands

2. Nursing: 94

3. Optometry: 40

4. Veterinary Medicine: 36

5. Physiotherapy: 64

6. Diploma: 13

Furthermore, a total of 1,520 higher degrees will be conferred during the convocation, comprising 182 Postgraduate Diplomas, 916 Master's Degrees, 188 Professional Master's Degrees, and 234 Ph.Ds across various faculties.

According to him, this year's convocation is particularly significant as it coincides with the university's Golden Jubilee celebration, which will hold between Sunday, November 23 and November, Friday 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.

"At the same time, we look forward with renewed determination to sustain our legacy of excellence in teaching, research, and community service," Egbewole said.

The Vice Chancellor described the convocation and jubilee as "not just milestones but a testament to five decades of unwavering commitment to excellence, innovation, integrity, and service to humanity."

Egbewole also highlighted the significant support received by the institution from the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), which he said continues to play a critical role in sustaining higher education in Nigeria.

"In the year under review, the University received an intervention fund of N2,560,562,362.66 from TETFund, covering 11 areas, including physical infrastructure, academic staff training, ICT support, entrepreneurship, and career services," he stated.

He added that the university also benefitted from a N300 million zonal intervention, a N4 billion Special High Impact Project (SHIP) for upgrading facilities at the College of Health Sciences, and N750 million for the construction of a new hostel within the College.

"These interventions have greatly strengthened our infrastructure and capacity for quality teaching and research," Egbewole said, noting that the TETFund awards were presented to the university by the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, in April 2025.

Speaking further, the Vice Chancellor lauded the Nigerian Education Loan Fund initiative of the Federal Government, which he described as a "lifeline" for students struggling with financial constraints.

"I am happy to report that the University of Ilorin has secured a total sum of N1,596,716,864 under NELFUND for 12,983 students across all disciplines, including medical students.

"This laudable programme of the Federal Government has ensured that no student will drop out as a result of funding challenges," he said.

Professor Egbewole reaffirmed the university's commitment to academic excellence and national development, emphasising that Unilorin would continue to "build bridges between knowledge and impact."

"Our journey of 50 years is a story of resilience, dedication, and relevance. We remain committed to producing graduates who will not only excel in their chosen fields but also contribute meaningfully to society," he added.