The Department of Geography and Environmental Management, University of Ilorin, has commenced a new phase of leadership following the formal handover of departmental affairs by the outgoing Head of Department, Dr O. D. Ajewole, to the incoming Head of Department, Dr Toluwalope M. Agaja, on Monday, August 3, 2026.
The handover ceremony, held at the Department and attended by academic and non-teaching staff, professors and other senior staff members, marked the official transition of leadership from Dr Ajewole to Dr Agaja.
The transition was formalised through the presentation of Dr Ajewole’s stewardship report, in which he outlined the major activities, achievements and initiatives recorded during his tenure. He said the Department remained committed to its vision of becoming a centre of excellence in geographical and environmental education, research and community service, while producing graduates equipped with competencies in Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Disaster Risk Management, Climate Change Adaptation and Environmental Sustainability.
Dr Ajewole disclosed that the Department currently has 28 academic staff, 20 non-academic staff, seven graduate assistants, 286 undergraduate students and 204 postgraduate students. He added that the Department offers undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in Geography, Disaster Risk Management and Geographic Information Systems.
He noted that the curriculum review, in line with the National Universities Commission (NUC) Benchmark Minimum Academic Standards, was progressing steadily, while proposals for Diploma programmes in Geographic Information Systems and Transport Management were awaiting Senate approval.
Also speaking, Prof. L.T. Ajibade congratulated both the outgoing and incoming Heads of Department, describing the transition as another significant milestone in the history of the Department.
He commended Dr Ajewole for his focused, purposeful and exemplary leadership, noting that his tenure witnessed progress in academic development, research, staff welfare and institutional growth.
Prof. Ajibade urged Dr Agaja to lead with integrity, fairness and inclusiveness while sustaining the Department’s tradition of academic excellence. He also called on staff members to support the new Head of Department through cooperation and constructive contributions towards the continued growth of the Department.
Prof. U.A. Raheem also commended Dr Ajewole for his dedication, exemplary leadership and contributions to the Department’s development. He described the peaceful and seamless transition as a reflection of the Department’s culture of unity, mutual respect and institutional stability.
Prof. Raheem congratulated Dr Agaja on her appointment, describing it as well deserved and a recognition of her commitment to the Department. He assured her of the support, cooperation and guidance of the elders and other members of staff as she assumes office.
In her acceptance remarks, Dr Toluwalope M. Agaja thanked members of the Department for their support and cooperation. She described her appointment as a call to serve her alma mater and pledged to build on the achievements of her predecessor through purposeful, transparent and inclusive leadership.
Dr Agaja appealed for the continued cooperation, support, constructive suggestions and guidance of all members of the Department to ensure effective administration and sustained growth.
She expressed optimism that working together would enable the Department to achieve greater heights in teaching, research, innovation and community service.
