The Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN, led executives from sister universities and allied institutions to the 15th convocation ceremony of Al-Hikmah University, Ilorin, on Thursday, January 8, 2026.
The event, held at Al-Hikmah University’s Atere Campus, was attended by the Deputy Governor of Kwara State, Mr. Kayode Alabi, representing Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq. Other dignitaries included the Director-General of the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS), Prof. Abubakar Olanrewaju Sulaiman, the Vice Chancellor of Kwara State University, Prof. Sheikh Luqman Alade Jimoh, and the Balogun Alanamu of Ilorin, Dr. Usman Atolagbe Abubakar Jos.
Prof. Egbewole, who chairs the Consortium of Kwara Universities (KU8+), has prioritized fostering collaboration and networking among universities within and beyond Kwara State since assuming office in October 2022. He also serves as Vice President (West Africa) of the Association of African Universities (AAU) and Secretary-General of the Association of West African Universities (AWAU).
According to the University of Ilorin’s Director of Corporate Affairs, Mr. Kunle Akogun, Prof. Egbewole’s attendance was a deliberate effort to strengthen ties and encourage collaboration between the two institutions.
Al-Hikmah University, established two decades ago as the first private university and second tertiary institution in Kwara State, was significantly supported by the University of Ilorin during its founding. Several former vice chancellors of Al-Hikmah University, including Prof. Musibau Adewumi Akanji, Prof. Rasaq Deremi Abubakar, Prof. Sulyman Age Abdulkareem, and Prof. Noah Yusuf, were previously staff members of UNILORIN.
Mr. Akogun added that Prof. Egbewole’s presence was intended to boost the morale of Al-Hikmah University’s current Vice Chancellor, Prof. Lateef Folorunsho Oladimeji, a UNILORIN alumnus, on his first convocation ceremony as head of the institution.
The visit also served as a gesture of gratitude to Al-Hikmah University’s founder, Alhaji (Dr.) AbdulRaheem Oladimeji, OFR, a longtime friend of the University of Ilorin.
Mr. Akogun affirmed that UNILORIN would continue to act as a “big brother” to universities in Kwara State, promoting collaboration and enhancing educational standards across the KU8+ network.
The initiative highlights ongoing efforts by Prof. Egbewole and UNILORIN to strengthen inter-university partnerships and foster quality service delivery in higher education within the region.
By building such networks, the University of Ilorin aims to position itself as a leading hub of academic support and mentorship for emerging universities across the state.
