The Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Ilorin Kwara state Professor Wahab Olasupo Egbewole SAN has inaugurated the University Advancement Board to significantly improve the fortunes of the institution with the injection of private sector approaches, among others.
The advancement board, which has a renowned financial expert, Dr. Abdulwahab A. Ibrahim, FCA, as the Chairman, also include the university’s three Deputy Vice-chancellors, Bursar, the university Internal auditor, each member of the Senate, Convocation and Congregation, as well as director, Advancement, just as the university’s Registrar is assigned to serve as the Secretary.
In his address during the inauguration on Friday, the Senior lawyer said that the Advancement Board will serve as a bridge between the university and the broader society that it is committed to serving, stressing that it’s pivotal role is to provide strategic guidance, innovative ideas, and invaluable networks among others, that will propel the institution to new heights of excellence.
The Vice-Chancellor said that “In some specific details, the terms of reference as approved are:
“Develop strategies to enhance the University’s Fundraising and Partnership Initiatives;
“Identify and pursue opportunities to expand the University’s influence and impact;
“Oversee and support fundraising campaigns, sponsorships and other resource mobilization efforts;
“Identify and cultivate relationships with potential donors, corporate sponsors, and philanthropic entities;
“Foster strong relationships with alumni, community members, industry leaders and other stakeholders;
“Promote initiatives that build goodwill and strengthen stakeholder trust;
“Monitor the effectiveness of advancement strategies and campaigns; and
“Ensure alignment of advancement activities with the University’s vision, mission, values, and goals”
He noted that the board will be instrumental in helping the institution to strengthen its Resource Base by identifying opportunities for resource mobilization, partnerships and endowments.
Other responsibilities of the board according to him include,”enhancing Institutional Visibility: Advocating for our university on national and international platforms.
“Driving Strategic Initiatives: Offering insights to guide our priorities in areas such as infrastructure, academic excellence, and community development”.
Egbewole , who said that membership of the board was carefully chosen by putting into consideration the values of integrity, excellence, courage, and commitment, among others, added that, “we equally chose the external members from the body of our alumnus to demonstrate that we have the capacity to deliver. This is especially important in light of the fact that 2025 is our golden anniversary.
“The Board actually represents a convergence of talent, expertise, and dedication. Comprised of leaders from diverse sectors—academia, industry, government and beyond”. he stressed .
Egbewole also said that,”our vision as a University is to strive for excellence and to be a global leader in education, research, and community engagement. We aspire to produce graduates who are not only skilled but also equipped to make meaningful impacts in their respective fields.
Egbewole who seized the event to chide the Alumni over it’s protracted leadership crisis, noted that,”the Alumni Association is not supposed to be bickering over positions or fighting over pecuniary benefits for themselves.”, stressing that” any Alumni Association worth its salt should look for ways to assist the University and not create issues for the University or bring out the University in negative light.”
In his acceptance speech, Chairman of the board, Dr. Abdulwahab Ibrahim, who spoke on behalf of others said that he was elated to serve in the board because he holds the university in high esteem.
He also said that he will be forever grateful,to the institution, noting that there’s no way he would write the story of his life without dedicating prominent chapters of the book to the university.
“I was one of the first lecturers that got appointed in Accounting and finance department of the university. I’ll forever be grateful to the university for that. I gained my first meal ticket here. It’s like giving back to the university as members of the university advancement board. We won’t disappoint and we’ll devote our energy to succeed”.
