The Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN, has urged the management of Abdulrasaq Abubakar Toyin University (AATU), Ganmo, to place integrity at the core of its academic and administrative operations.
Prof. Egbewole gave the charge on Thursday, January 29, 2026, while receiving the Acting Vice Chancellor of AATU, Prof. Abdulrauf Ambali, and members of his management team during a courtesy visit to his office.
He warned that the erosion of core values poses a serious threat to Nigeria’s education system and society, stressing that universities must go beyond the award of certificates to produce graduates who are sound in character and learning.
According to him, weak standards in higher institutions contribute to social vices such as drug abuse, cultism and other forms of misconduct among youths.
Prof. Egbewole, who is also the Secretary General of the Association of West Africa Universities, said that while private universities must ensure financial sustainability, prioritising integrity and merit would ultimately attract credibility and long-term support.
“The issue is not the number of first-class degrees awarded, but whether such qualifications are genuinely earned,” he said.
He assured AATU of the continued support of the University of Ilorin, describing the mentorship as a mutually beneficial partnership that allows for the exchange of experiences between public and private university systems.
Prof. Egbewole also expressed confidence in the leadership of AATU, noting that the background and experience of its Registrar, Mr Emmanuel Dada Obafemi, would help lay a solid foundation for the institution’s growth and stability.
Earlier, the Acting Vice Chancellor of AATU, Prof. Ambali, said the university was seeking strong mentorship to position itself among leading institutions in Kwara State and across Africa.
He described the University of Ilorin as a pacesetter with a proven record in academic excellence and administration, and thanked its management for deploying experienced staff from the Registry, Library and academic departments to support the take-off of the new university.
