By: Mujidat Oyewole
The Kwara Sector Command of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) said it had deployed 700 personnel across the 16 Local Government Areas (LGAs) for a safe Easter celebration in the state.
This is contained in a statement by the Command’s Public Relation Officer, Mrs Olayinka Basambo, on Friday, in Ilorin.
According to the statement, the command deployed 700 personnel, 200 Special Marshals and 150 First responders, to enhance visibility and easy movement during the festive period.
The statement added that the Sector Commander, Muftau Irekeola, said that the deployment was to ensure maximum visibility, prompt removal of obstructions and ease of movement, on all highways within Kwara.
“This is in line with the operational guidelines of this year’s Easter special patrol, which commenced on April 16, to be suspended on April 23.
“As contained in the Operation Order, the objectives of the special operations are reduction in road traffic crashes, road traffic fatalities and road traffic injuries.
“It is a prompt response to road traffic crash victims and speedy removal of obstructions from the highways, amongst others,” the statement quoted the commander.
According to the statement, Irekeola also assured the people of Kwara that the objectives of the special operations will combine engagement of the motoring public, through purposeful and impactful public education programmes.
It added that it would sustain effective patrol operations, as well as adequate monitoring of all routes that led to Kwara.
“The following traffic offenses will be focused by the operatives during the festive period, such as excessive speeding, dangerous driving and overtaking.
“Also, to be focused on are, lane indiscipline, route violation, road obstructions, use of mobile phone while driving, overloading, seatbelt/child restraint use violations and passenger’s manifest violation.
“Then, operation of mechanical deficient and rickety vehicles, latching and twist-locks violation, among others will also be in check,” it stated.
The statement noted that the sector commander further assured the general motoring public of the FRSC’s commitment to safer road, fuller life and wished citizens a happy Easter celebration.
Unilorin VC greets Christians at Easter
By: Mujidat Oyewole
The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof. Wahab Egbewole (SAN) has felicitated with members of the University Christian community and the entire Christendom on the occasion of the Easter festival.
This is contained in a statement signed by the University Director of Corporate Affairs, Mr Kunle Akogun on Friday, in Ilorin.
Egbewole described Easter as an important period in Christendom, during which the global Christian community celebrates in honour of Jesus Christ.
The Vice Chancellor, who is also the Secretary-General of the Association of West African Universities (AWAU) said that the commemoration of the Easter is to appreciate the greatness of Jesus Christ.
“I enjoined Christians and others to emulate the selflessness, civility and faith, which the event represents.
“I also urged Christians to celebrate the occasion in moderation and ensure that they extend support to the less-privileged relations, friends, neighbours and colleagues, for all to live in love and peace,” Egbewole said.
The Vice-Chancellor commended the quality and magnitude of fraternity existing between Muslim and Christian members of the University community, adding that it is worthy of emulation by all, for the nation and humanity to enjoy peace.
He thereby wish members of the University Christian community and their counterparts across the nation and beyond a very peaceful and rewarding celebration.
Expert calls for financial independence of Judiciary
By: Mujidat Oyewole
Prof. Abdulfatai Sambo has called for Judiciary to be financially independent in order not to beg the executive or legislature like beggars.
Sambo made the call during the 278th Inaugural Lecture, themed “Judicialising Politics without Politicising the Judex”.
The Inaugural lecturer said that there was need to balance financial independence of the judiciary, so that money could be available for their utilisation.
“The judiciary has been conservatively avoiding holding money in the past.
“It was felt that this could lead to more scandals on the judiciary, because if a head of court decides to hold judiciary money and a clerk petitions that he is a thief, that could touch on the integrity of the judiciary.
“Thus, there is the need to balance financial independence of the judiciary and the conservatism of not wanting to hold money.
“The way out is that money should come to the coffers of the judiciary for their utilisation so that they do not go to beg the executive or legislature like beggars,” Sambo said.
The Don suggested that there should be a constitutional court with clearly defined jurisdiction that would improve quality of courts’ decisions in matters which are political in nature.
He stressed that enforcement of court orders must be strengthened because rule of law must prevail and that there should be no need for any clash.
Sambo said that the process of judges’ appointments should be fair, transparent, just, devoid of executive influence and in accordance with the ethics of the profession.
“The judiciary should be above board and purges itself of the bad ones.
“The political class should have an effective and efficient in-built system of dispute resolution.
“There should be upward review of basic educational qualification stated in the constitution for people aspiring into legislative houses and the executives,” he said.
The expert said that one of the major problems confronting the Judicial arm of government today was the lack of understanding legitimate way of deciding political disputes.
“This has been a central problem of constitutional theory which is explained by the actions of the political class, constituted by the Executive, Legislature and Political parties.
“These actions, in many occasions require some legal and political considerations.
“Since the political class use legal powers for political purposes, the judiciary needs to play a role in the review of the actions that appear political, but with legal and constitutional stings,” Sambo said.
He, however, said that disputes on matters which are political in nature are inevitable in a democratic country.
“It is very difficult, if not impossible to analyse politics and democracy without discussing the institution (courts) in which its principles are anchored.
“Thus, the future of democratic institutions in a country largely depends on its ability to build and nurture the institution for resolving political disputes with finality.
“Effective judicialisation of politics without politicising the judex largely depends on suitable and justly balanced constitutional and legal framework for the courts to operate,” he said.
Sambo therefore said that if what he suggested was adopted, it would lead to speedy, efficient, effective and just resolution of disputes arising from matters which are political in nature.
D-8 Chief calls for global collaboration in education
By: Mujidat Oyewole
The Secretary-General of the Developing-8 Organization for Economic Cooperation (D-8), Amb. Isiaka Imam has called for strategic partnership between leading international universities and research institutions.
This is to facilitate the global exchange of knowledge, innovation and best practices.
The Secretary-General made the call on Thursday, while delivering a keynote address at the University of Ilorin, during the first International Conference of the Centre for International Education (CIE) and 12th International Students’ Day.
The conference was part of the activities to commemorate the institution’s 50th anniversary.
Imam stressed the need for universities, especially those in the Global South, to work collaboratively in advancing quality education, cross-border researchand innovation.
He cited Malaysia, Türkiye, and Egypt, who he said
were all D-8 member countries, as hubs of international education and student mobility.
According to him, tapping into the experience and resources of these countries would provide fresh opportunities for students and scholars of the University of Ilorin, to enhance their learning and research capacities.
The Secretary-General stated further the importance of investing in digital infrastructure, in order to drive inclusive and globally competitive education.
Also, encourage the university to expand its digital reach, by ensuring high-speed internet access, deploying smart classroom technologies and integrating AI-driven educational tools to improve teaching, learning and research beyond the physical campus.
The Don acknowledged Unilorin impressive strides, but challenged the university and other African higher institutions to look beyond traditional educational models and embrace global collaboration.
He, however, cautioned that the path to globalizing education is fraught with challenges, especially in Africa.
Imam identified key issues, such as resource constraints, underfunding and infrastructural deficits that limit faculty training and research development.
He noted that they are further exacerbated by the migration of skilled academics, which depletes the intellectual capital of many African universities.
The Secretary-General highlighted the continent’s widening technological divide and lamented that while digital transformation redefined higher education globally, many African institutions remain unable to fully participate due to unreliable internet connectivity and limited access to modern digital tools.
He said these limits opportunities for virtual learning, distance education and participation in global academic networks.
Imam praised Unilorin’s commitment to academic excellence, noting that several of its specialized research centres align closely with D-8’s development goals.
He mentioned the University’s Sugar Research Institute, which he said had the potential to enhance the sugar value chain within D-8 member states, through innovation in crop cultivation, processing and by-product development.
The Secretary-General recalled a recent agreement between Nigeria’s National Sugar Development Council and SINOMACH of China, for a sugarcane project, capable of producing one million metric tonnes of sugar annually.
He said Unilorin is well-positioned to support through research and training.
In the same vein, Imam highlighted the Technical and Entrepreneurship Centre of Unilorin, as a vital partner in D-8’s drive to boost Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs).
He disclosed that D-8, in partnership with the Nigerian government had concluded plans to launch a D-8 SME Center in Abuja, to be hosted by the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN).
Imam expressed optimism that the Technical & Entrepreneurship Centre could play a significant role in cross-border capacity-building for SMEs.
Earlier, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof. Wahab Egbewole, (SAN) said that the Conference was one of the University’s major events to celebrate its 50th anniversary.
The Vice Chancellor, who titled his speech “Reinventing Multidisciplinary Scholarship for Sustainable Global Education,” advocated for research efforts in global education.
“This is to embrace a multidisciplinary approach, a hallmark of scholarship in the 21st century.
“The multidisciplinary approach is about integrated, interconnected, and interdependent models or methodologies that can bring scholars together across disciplines for the purpose of promoting original, incisive, developmental and sustainable research efforts.
“Global collaboration will break down traditional models while embracing community engagement with stakeholders,” he said.
Egbewole calls for permanent dismantling of the silo relationship between international institutions of higher learning.
He said that global education finds theoretical solace in the intellectual fanfare of internationalisation.
The Vice-Chancellor said that silo between global education and international education is temporary. “Let us break it with all sense of honesty as we move forward.
“The essence is for inclusive education and the current direction is the breaking down of barriers of ‘my father’s farm as the biggest farm’ to accommodate the 17 Sustainable Development Goals.
“This include zero hunger, quality education, decent work and economic growth, sustainable cities and communities, and partnerships for the goals,” Egbewole said.
He noted that the University, which has been adjudged the most sought-after University in Nigeria for the 10th consecutive year, was poised to globalize education.
“Forty-eight hours ago, University of Ilorin undergraduate, Kazeem Sanusi, a 400-level Mathematics student set a new Guinness World Record for the ‘Longest Mathematics Lesson,’ spanning 31 hours, 42 minutes, and 54 seconds.
“While three days ago, we made history in this University through the successful inaugural public lecture hosted by the Institute of Translation Arts.
“My joy is that the connection between setting global records in Mathematics tutorials and translation in the digital era is equally linked to the evincing positivism that can be found in global education and in its corollary of international education,” he said.
The Director of the Centre for International Education, Prof. Lateef Ibrahim explained the urgent need for education to transcend local boundaries and evolve into a truly global experience.
Ibrahim said that while the vision of globalized education is compelling, the path toward its realization is marked by significant challenges.
“These include unequal access to educational opportunities, institutional resistance to change, restrictive policies and concerns about the long-term sustainability of internationalization efforts.
“These challenges are potential opportunities avenues for innovation, meaningful partnerships, and leadership that can help institutions overcome structural limitations and advance educational equity,” he said.
The Director also eulogized the invaluable presence of international students at the University of Ilorin and recognized their academic and cultural contributions as a vital part of the institution’s global identity.
KWASU capable of creating wealth in Kwara – Pioneer VC
By Mujidat Oyewole
The pioneer Vice-Chancellor, Kwara State University (KWASU), Malete, Prof. AbdulRasheed Na’Allah, has said that the institution has the potential to create wealth in the state.
Na’Allah said this during a special prayer session organised in his honour by the KWASU Community at the Emir’s Palace, Ilorin.
The prayer was to appreciate the Almighty Allah for guiding him successfully throughout his tenure at the University of Abuja.
Na’allah emphasised that community development was one of the major reasons for establishing the university.
“It is one of the role of the university to be a source of community development.
“KWASU is going to turn the fortune of the state for good.
“We have the foundation and potential to do that,” he said.
The don, however, said that societies have so much problems, which could slow down development, adding that “with time, the state will achieve the goal.
“This is what many developed states passed through and they are now where they dreamed to be.
“Everyone in KWASU has contributed to the development process.
“It is an entrepreneurial university, which can be seen from its name, and it will definitely yield good fruit,” he said.
The expressed his gratitude to the organisers of the prayer, saying that he was “very happy and elated”.
“I am an academician and will continue to do what I know how to do, by writing books, teaching and always be available for Kwara whenever they need my services for education or community development,” he said.
Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, the Emir of Ilorin and state Chairman of the Traditional Rulers Council, said that it is Almighty Allah that uplift human beings and determines the success of everyone.
Sulu-Gambari prayed that Almighty Allah will continue to make Na’allah succeed, uplift him and guide all his steps.
He also prayed for the peace, stability and development of the state and Nigeria as a whole.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that many dignitaries, including representatives of the Universities of Ilorin and Abuja as well as KWASU and the Commissioner for Works, Mr AbdulQawwiy Olododo, attended the event.
Unilorin student sets new global record in Mathematics
By Mujidat Oyewole
Kazeem Sanusi, a final year student in the Mathematics Department, of the University of Ilorin has set a new Guinness World Book Record for the ‘Longest Mathematics Lesson’.
Sanusi broke the record with a lecture spanning 31 hours, 42 minutes and 54 seconds.
This is contained in a statement issued by the Director of Corporate Affairs of Unilorin, Mr Kunle Akogun on Tuesday, in Ilorin.
Akogun said the ground-breaking event was witnessed by representatives of the Guinness World Record, as the student smashed the previous record of 26 hours of non-stop lessons.
“Kazeem performed the feat to the cheers of a captivated audience, led by the University Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Wahab Egbewole (SAN) and Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Management Services), Prof. Adegboyega Fawole.
Also present at the event were the Registrar, Mr Mansur Alfanla, Dean of Physical Sciences, Prof. Abdullahi Baba, Dean of Student Affairs, Dr Alex Akanmu, and Student Union President, Victor Agezeh, among others.
The Director said that Sanusi eagerly awaits official confirmation from the Guinness World Record.
Unilorin is dedicated to become the best in Nigeria – Director
By: Mujidat Oyewole
Dr Aliy Adebisi, Acting Director of Institute of Translation Arts, University of Ilorin has said that the University is dedicated to become the best in Nigeria.
This is in line with the visionary goals of our Vice Chancellor, Prof. Wahab Egbewole towards elevating Unilorin to number one in Nigeria, top ten in Africa and among the top 500 in the world.
The door irector made the assertion during the 1st Public Lecture, organised by the Institute, on the theme: “Translation in the Digital Era: Navigating AI Disruptions and Opportunities”.
Adebisi said that the university is committed to align their efforts with the ambitious but achievable vision.
“I express my sincere appreciation to our distinguished Guest Speakers for honoring my invitation against all odds. Your willingness, despite your tight schedules reflects your commitment to the Institute.
“I would like to extend my heartfelt appreciation to our amiable Vice Chancellor, for his unwavering support and for graciously approving this programme.
“I assure you, sir, that I will continue to work diligently to develop the Institute and take it to greater heights,” Adebisi said.
Prof. Wahab Egbewole, SAN, Vice Chancellor of Unilorin commended the Acting Director of the Institute of Translation Arts, Dr Aliy Abdulwahid Adebisi for organising the maiden public lecture of the Institute.
Egbewole applauded the bold initiative of the Director, describing it as a significant step toward repositioning the Institute for greater relevance and impact.
He expressed delight, saying that after 13 years of existence, the Institute was now stepping into the limelight with its maiden public lecture.
The vice-chancellor said that the event marks a turning point in the Institute’s journey and praised the leadership of Adebisi for the development.
He described the theme of the lecture as not only timely and contemporary but also crucial to understanding the dynamics of a fast-evolving global landscape.
“Artificial Intelligence is gradually shaping the world and the fact that the Institute of Translation Arts is interrogating its impact on translation and translators through the voices of erudite scholars is no mean achievement.
“I am optimistic that the vision and mandate behind its establishment would be fully realised.
“We are happy with this development. It is our hope that this public lecture becomes a sustained tradition and that steps will be taken towards institutionalising the programme,” he said.
The Guest Speaker, Dr Segun Afolabi, appreciated the organisers of the programme, stressing the need for more knowledge in language translation without relying on Artificial Intelligence (AI).
Afolabi stressed that the work of AI in translating languages could not be well explained like a native speaker, saying that there was need to consult experts and text books for accuracy.
He pledged N100,000 gift annually, to the best students in English and Foreign languages, that graduated from Unilorin.
Foundation awards scholarships to 20 tertiary students in Kwara
By: Mujidat Oyewole
A non-governmental organisation(NGO), the Mojirola Educational Foundation(MEF), on Monday awarded scholarships to 20 students from various tertiary institutions in Nigeria.
The event which took place in Ilorin, Kwara, saw each recipient receiving the sum of N200,000.
Mr Joseph Duntoye, founder of the NGO, and an alumnus of the Faculty of Engineering, University of Ilorin, said that the initiative was launched to support students facing financial challenges.
Duntoye was represented by Dr Ruth Adimula, an associate professor at the Centre for Peace and Strategic Studies, University of Ilorin.
He explained that he had originally instituted the scholarship primarily for students from his hometown, Oro, and other parts of Kwara.
Duntoye, however, noted that in 2025, he expanded the scope to include students from other regions across Nigeria.
“The scholarship is awarded to deserving students from various tertiary institutions across the country,” Duntoye said.
“In 2021, 15 students received scholarships of N200,000 each, and in 2023, 20 students were awarded N150,000 each.”
He noted that the decision to increase the amount to N200,000 per beneficiary in 2025 was driven by the recent hike in tuition fees.
“This is a co-educational scholarship open to both male and female students, regardless of religious background. All beneficiaries are students of public institutions,” he added.
According to him, more than 200 students applied for the scholarship this year. After a rigorous screening process that assessed academic performance and financial need, 20 students were selected.
Twelve of the beneficiaries are from the University of Ilorin, while others include, three students from Usman Danfodiyo University, Sokoto
“One each from Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Bayero University, Kano, University of Jos, and the Federal University of Technology, Minna.”
According to Duntoye, the foundation’s core mission is to support academically brilliant students from underprivileged backgrounds by easing the burden of tuition and educational expenses.
“Some of our previous beneficiaries from 2021 and 2023 have graduated with First Class or Second Class Upper degrees. This year, all returning beneficiaries also fall within that academic bracket,” he noted.
He also appealed to well-meaning Nigerians to support education by sponsoring students and creating employment opportunities.
“Government alone cannot meet all needs. Many of our youths require educational support, and several more need jobs after graduation,” Duntoye said.
“We urge individuals, corporate bodies, and organisations to prioritise education sponsorship and job creation.
“This can help reduce the number of talented youths leaving the country in search of greener pastures, sometimes tragically losing their lives in the process.”
In his remarks, the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof. Wahab Egbewole, represented by the Dean of Student Affairs, Dr Alex Akanmu, appreciated the foundation for its generosity.
He particularly applauded the foundation for awarding scholarships to 12 students from the university.
He encouraged the beneficiaries to remain dedicated to their studies and to consider giving back to society in the future.
“As you receive this support today, see it as a seed. In five to ten years, we hope you’ll also uplift others.
“Strive to graduate with excellence and contribute meaningfully to society,” he said.
NAN reports that this year marks the third edition of the scholarship programme organized by MEF.
Emanuel Ololajulo, expressed gratitude on behalf of other recipients, promising they would put the funds to good use.
A Don urges for sustainable management of forests, development
By: Mujidat Oyewole
Prof. Folaranmi Babalola, a Lecturer at the Department of Forest Resources Management, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Ilorin, urged for sustainable management of forests, development and forestry profession in Nigeria.
The Professor, made this known during the University’s 277th Inaugural Lecture, titled, “The Beliefs, Myths and Facts about Forests and Connection to Humanity”.
Babalola said that there was need for public awareness and advocacy through strategic education initiatives, media campaign and policy engagement.
He further said that there was need to conserve indigenous tree species, such as Iroko, Mahogany and Shea butter, among others to support traditional medicine, for economic use and long term ecological balance.
“We need to collaborate with indigenous communities and incorporate their ecological wisdom into national conservation policies that will enhance sustainable forest management.
“There is need to strengthen forest policies to reflect current ecological, economic and social realities, couple with stricter enforcement mechanisms to combat illegal logging, deforestation and land degradation,” he said.
The Lecturer suggested improved security in and around forests, by providing surveillance and security measures to prevent forests from being exploited as hideouts for criminals.
He said that forests should be recognised as vital biodiversity sanctuaries and eco-tourism assets that contribute to environmental stability and community well-being.
“Forests are ecosystems dominated by trees and characterised by significant ecological processes, supporting biodiversity, protecting watershed and providing economic, social and cultural services to human population.
“Globally, forests are classified into tropical forests, temperate forests and boreal forests, each found in distinct climate regions.
“More than half of the world’s forests are found in only five countries of the world and they include Brazil, Canada, China, the Russian Federation and the United States of America,” Babalola said.
He noted that forests had been used, exploited and managed.
He noted also that the marketing of forests products plays a crucial role in livelihoods of many people.
Babalola, however, said that without proper regulation and awareness on the rate of exploitation of these resources, illegal logging, deforestation and other forest offenses would threaten its existence and sustainability.
He said that forest education was critical in shaping future conservationists, researchers and policy makers who would drive sustainable forest management.
“By integrating climate change education into forestry curricula, we can enhance public understanding of the role of forests in carbon sequestration, microclimate regulation and climate resilience.
“Without urgent action, deforestation will worsen climate change, leading to increased desertification, loss of biodiversity and disruptions in ecosystem services that millions depend on,” he said.
The Don stressed that the path to resilient and thriving forest ecosystem lies in collective action–through responsible forest exploitation, policy enforcement and community engagement.
Unilorin VC felicitates with Yusuf Ali on Kuliya title
By: Mujidat Oyewole
The Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof. Wahab Egbewole, (SAN) has felicitated with an Ilorin-based legal practitioner, Malam Yusuf Olaolu Ali, SAN on his title, as the first Kuliya Ngeri of Ilorin emirste.
The turbaning would take place on Friday April 11, by the Emir of Ilorin who doubles as the Chairman of Kwara Traditional Rulers Council, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari.
This is contained in a statement by the University Director of Corporate Affairs, Mr Kunle Akogun, on Friday, in Ilorin.
The Vice Chancellor described the appointment and eventual turbaning of the senior lawyer as well-deserved honour to an indefatigable icon of community development, a consumate legal luminary and a passionate philanthropist.
Egbewole noted that the new title holder had proved to be deserving of the title, going by his trajectory of positive contributions towards the peace and development of Ilorin Emirate and humanity at large, over the years.
He described Ali as his brother and friend as well as a distinguished friend of the University.
“His life has been a model and his turbanning as the first holder of the prestigious title of Kuliya would surely spur him to do more for the Ilorin Emirate and humanity at large.
“I sincerely thank the Emir, who is also the Chancellor of Bayero University, Kano, and Muhammad Kamalud-Deen University, Ilorin, for always asserting unity and exerting leadership.
“The decision to confer such a prestigious title on a non-indigene is not just a proof of father to all, but, it stimulate other non-indigenes living within and around Ilorin to feel at home and work for its progress as often done,” he said.
The VC thereby wished the Emir long life, sound health and continuous peaceful reign and wished the new title holder a successful reign and more remarkable career.
