By Aishat Oladeji
The University of Ilorin on Thursday held its 40th Convocation Ceremony, during which a total of 11,886 students were awarded first degrees in various disciplines. The event also formed part of activities marking the institution’s 50th anniversary celebration.
Announcing the figures at the convocation arena in Ilorin, the Vice Chancellor, Professor Wahab Olasupo Egbewole (SAN), said 316 graduates obtained First Class honours, while 4,120 finished with Second Class Upper Division. Another 5,939 bagged Second Class Lower Division, 1,078 graduated with Third Class, and 11 obtained Pass degrees.
In the professional and health science categories, the university also produced 175 medical doctors, 94 nurses, 40 optometrists, 36 veterinary doctors, and 64 physiotherapists, alongside 13 diploma holders.
Professor Egbewole further disclosed that a total of 1,520 higher degrees would be conferred during the ceremonies. These include 182 Postgraduate Diplomas, 916 Master’s degrees, 188 Professional Master’s, and 234 Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degrees.
The Vice Chancellor described the ceremony as a major milestone in the history of the university, coming at a time when UNILORIN is celebrating its golden jubilee. He commended the staff and students for their dedication and discipline, noting that the university has continued to uphold its reputation as one of Nigeria’s most stable and peaceful institutions.
He added that the convocation would also feature the commissioning of seven new infrastructure projects by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which include new faculty buildings, lecture theatres, and an innovation hub.
Professor Egbewole reaffirmed the university’s commitment to academic excellence, research, and innovation, emphasizing that the new graduates have been well prepared to contribute meaningfully to national development and global competitiveness.
As the University of Ilorin celebrates 50 years of academic excellence, the 40th convocation stands as a testament to its steady growth and commitment to producing quality graduates for the nation.
