By; BILIQIS ONAOLAPO OLAJUMOKE, Ilorin
Surveyor Abiodun Aluko, the newly appointed Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of the University of Ilorin, has presented his intentions for the next four years, emphasizing his steadfast dedication to improving the university beyond what it was when he arrived.
This was said by Surv. Aluko, a former deputy governor of Ekiti State, last Monday, August 26, 2024, at the University Auditorium during an interactive session with the provost, deans, directors, union leaders, and executives of the student union.
The Council Chairman stated that he is aware of the majority of the difficulties that Nigerian university administrations face as well as the laws that have essentially reduced university autonomy, leading to difficulties for federal institutions.
In order to overcome the obstacles impeding the nation’s progress in higher education, he promised to collaborate with the Conference of Pro-Chancellors of Federal Universities.
Having been a council member of multiple Nigerian institutions since 2009, Surv. Aluko revealed that he is not new to the field of university management. He studied at Bayero University Kano from 2009 to 2013, Nnamdi Azikiwe University in Awka from 2017 to 2021, and the University of Uyo from 2021 to 2023. He claimed to be aware of the difficulties faced by Nigerian universities.
Vice-Chancellors lost their authority when universities switched to the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS) in 2021, he explained. The policy also led to a severe staffing shortage in federal universities because vice chancellors are not allowed to hire, which created problems for the Nigerian university system.
The Governing Council’s external members are dedicated to seeing the University’s goal through to completion, Chief Aluko reassured his audience. He clarified that their goal was to support the university by lending their knowledge, political connections, and industry and personal relationships. He also stated that obtaining funds is a significant obstacle, but he is optimistic that it can be solved.
The 14th Council Chairman began their inaugural meeting by emphasizing their dedication to providing the training and retraining required to advance the university. He also expressed his satisfaction at working with reputable people and emphasized the value of communicating and meeting with the staff.
Chief Aluko acknowledged that the University is known for being the most crisis-free and stable institution in Nigeria, especially when it comes to academics, and he acknowledged that the staff’s hard work and insightful contributions are what make the university successful.
Before the end of his four-year term, the Council Chairman outlined his goal to improve the university’s ranking both nationally and globally, aiming to achieve a ranking of 1:10:100, placing the university among the top 100 in the world. He added that he and other members of his team are committed to making a difference by adding value to the University of Ilorin, stressing the need for staff cooperation to succeed.
He emphasized the significance of students as essential participants and exhorted them to uphold harmony and pursue settlement via communication. In addition, he thanked the students for their cooperation with the administration, pointing out that UNILORIN is a university that many parents and prospective students from Nigeria choose to send their children to because of its reliable graduation date. He praised the University’s stellar reputation and the notable contributions made by its academics to journals across the globe.
Chief Aluko urged all parties involved to continue supporting the institution’s expansion and advancement, emphasizing the value of open communication and reasonable concessions in the event that disagreements emerge.
He gave the interested parties his word that nobody would be refused the advantages or advancements they are due. He conveyed optimism that management, employees, and council members would live in harmony.
