VC unveils UNILORIN Advocates
… serve as our mouth piece, Egbewole charges Alumni
In a bid to enhance its global presence and reconnect with its expansive alumni network, the University of Ilorin has unveiled the UNILORIN Advocates 1.0. The initiative is aimed at leveraging the influence of selected alumni towards the amplification of the vision and mission of the University.
The unveiling ceremony was held last Thursday (May 2, 2024) at the Auditorium Basement of the University. The alumni, who made the UNILORIN Advocate 1.0, included popular TV Anchor with Channels Television, Mr Seun Okinbaloye; movie star, Mr Femi Adebayo; movie star, Ms Bukola Awoyemi; multiple award-winning investigative journalist with Television Continental (TVC), Mr Babajide Kolade-Otitoju; lawyer and media personality (Radio, TV, Event Compere), Ms Ibukun Adesoye (Bybisasa); movie star, Ms Wumi Toriola; comic actor and content creator, Nosa Afolabi (Lasisi Elenu); 2018 BBNaija Housemate, cybersecurity analyst, seasoned Media practitioner and philanthropist, Mr Omololu Shomuyiwa and a lecturer, broadcaster, public speaker, media and communication expert, Dr Abdulgaffar Arikewuyo.
Others are communications specialist, education analyst, youngest and only female contributing member of the Editorial Board at PUNCH Newspapers), Ms Deborah Tolu-Kolawole; Event Host, Mr Sola Rahman; programmes manager at the Nigeria Info FM, Mr Sheriff Quadry; Real Estate Developer & Co-founder Dukiya Investment, Mr Lukman Shobowale; SSA, New Media to the Kwara State Governor, Mr Olayinka Fafoluyi; and lawyer, entrepreneur, and politician, Mrs Titilope T. Anifowoshe.
Other alumni who made the list include, comedian, event host, and Radio star, Mr Oyakhire Ikhuemein (Oyas Baba); writer, author and development economist, Mr Seun Awogbenle; journalist, entrepreneur and humanitarian popularly known as Iyalaya, Mrs Gbonegun Ololade-Olasupo; social media marketer, Mr Muhammed Omoniyi; legal practitioner, Principal Partner/Founder, Iris Attorneys LP, Lagos, Mr Ridwan Oke; Entrepreneur, social media influencer, Ms Zainab Abidoye; broadcaster, media consultant, Mr Chibuzor Adizua; and radio star, Mr Babajide Oluwaseun.
In his address titled “Nothing Like Giving Back”, the Vice-Chancellor of the University, Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN, said as advocates, they would serve as the mouth piece of the University, championing the institution’s values of excellence, integrity, and community engagement.
He added that through their leadership, expertise, and networks, they are expected to play a pivotal role in promoting the institution, fostering collaboration, and enhancing the reputation of UNILORIN both nationally and internationally.
The Vice Chancellor explained further that as advocates, their responsibilities include serving as mentors and role models to current students, inspiring them to aspire for greatness, pursue their passions, and make positive impacts in their communities.
Prof. Egbewole expressed his expectation that the advocates would share their experiences, offer guidance, and create opportunities for students to excel in their chosen endeavours.
The Vice Chancellor explained that, ‘‘the alumni embody the true spirit of the UNILORIN family, and this particular group stands in a uniquely significant position. Not only have you excelled in your respective fields, but you have also demonstrated a steadfast commitment to giving back to your alma mater in impactful ways. Today, we celebrate your dedication and passion for advancing the mission and vision of our university. We acknowledge that, apart from those present here today, there are thousands of our supporters, advocates, and counterparts out there, championing our cause”.
Reflecting on the enduring legacy of the University and the collective achievements of its alumni community, the legal luminary commended the advocates for their unwavering support and commitment to UNILORIN. He expressed confidence that their passion, expertise, and dedication would propel the University to greater heights of success and impact.
While congratulating the newly appointed advocates and expressed gratitude for the value they bring to the University, the Vice Chancellor urged everyone to continue upholding the proud legacy of UNILORIN and work towards a future filled with endless possibilities.
The Vice Chancellor, however, appreciated the staff members, who include Mr Segun Alabi, Mr Tope Omoniyi, Ms Yemisi Olayemi and Mr Mubarak Akintola, who worked tirelessly to make the occasion a reality.
Speaking on the reason behind the idea of the UNILORIN Advocates, an Assistant Director of Information at the University, Mr. Segun Alabi, said the UNILORIN Advocate Council 1.0 was initiated by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, as part of a broader strategy to propel UNILORIN back to its former top-ranking position in Nigeria and position it among the world’s top 500 universities.
Mr Alabi explained that under the leadership of the current Vice Chancellor, the University is embracing technological advancements and recognising the pivotal role of its alumni in achieving its goals.
He added that the Advocate Council will serve as a platform for alumni to contribute to the growth and successof the university.
Mr Alabi also said UNILORIN, which continues to evolve from its humble beginnings in 1975 when it only had three Faculties to the present 17 Faculties, wants to leverage the strength of all selected members of the Advocates. He noted that the Advocate Council represents a pivotal step towards harnessing the collective strength of its global alumni community to position the nation’s most sought-after University to reclaim its position as a leading institution both nationally and internationally.
Speaking on behalf of other members of the UNILORIN Advocates 1.0, a renowned event host, Mr Shola Ramon, expressed their commitment to proudly promoting the image of the University more than ever before, now that they have been entrusted with this mandate. “We are fueled by passion and possess the determination to hoist the University’s flag higher than ever. With the mandate now in our hands, we are prepared to exert every effort to ensure that the flag flies high”.
Reflecting on his experience with the University’s work-study scheme, Mr Ramon recalled how the initiative, introduced alongside the establishment of the University radio, taught him valuable lessons in balancing work and studies effectively. He said that this experience shaped him into a more resilient individual with the ability to pursue his dreams, adding that the initiative provided students with the opportunity to balance work and study, a skill he learned and mastered during his time at the University.
He emphasised that the time to amplify their efforts is now as he attributed their success to the strong foundation laid by the University of Ilorin.
Addressing current undergraduates, Mr Ramon encouraged them to leverage the experiences of the advocates. He suggested reaching out for guidance and support, offering assistance to those with a passion for acting by facilitating connections with industry professionals like Femi Adebayo.
Another alumnus and one of the newly inducted Advocates, Ms Titilope Anifowoshe, expressed her gratitude to the management of the University for the opportunity, stating, “For me and every other person here, we are honoured to be called up for this task, and we will continue to raise the flag of UNILORIN”.
While noting the significance of the University in their lives, the seasoned lawyer, said, “For us, it’s always been UNILORIN before anything else” as she highlighted the abundant talents nurtured by the institution.
Meanwhile, a former Housemate on the 2018 edition of BB Naija and a cybersecurity expert, Omololu Shomuyiwa, expressed his eagerness to participate in the project because University of Ilorin gave him a family through the UNILORIN FM 89.3. “I remember when UNILORIN Radio started on the 5th floor of the Senate Building.The University has played a significant role in shaping who I am today, and for that, I am grateful,” Shomuyiwa reminisced.