Six academic prizes to be awarded at convocation as association immortalises former leaders
Daud Olatunji
The University of Ilorin Alumni Association has unveiled a series of initiatives to immortalise its past presidents and distinguished alumni, including the establishment of six endowed academic prizes and the construction of a 204-bed male hostel at the University of Ilorin.
The association disclosed this on Tuesday, in a statement signed by its President, Prof. Abdulrazaq Olubusuyi Kilani, ahead of the university’s forthcoming convocation ceremony.
According to the association, the six academic prizes, which have been endowed for 10 years, will be administered by the University of Ilorin to promote academic excellence and recognise outstanding students.
Among the beneficiaries is the pioneer President of the University of Ilorin Alumni Association, Prof. Olufemi David Durosaro, who will be honoured with the Prof. Olufemi David Durosaro Prize for the overall best graduating student.
The association will also honour Prof. A.Y. Abdulkareem with a prize for the best male graduating student in Educational Management, while the Prof. Mrs Rhoda Oduwaye Prize will go to the best female graduating student in the same discipline.
Similarly, the Prof. Depo Fakunle Prize will be awarded to the overall best graduating student with disability in the Faculty of Arts.
The late Alhaji Odedele will be honoured with a prize for the best male graduating student in History, while the Prof. Fatayi Bello Prize will recognise the best female graduating student in History.
The association said the endowments were part of efforts to preserve the legacies of its past leaders while encouraging students to strive for academic distinction.
In another major initiative, the alumni association is honouring a former president, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, through the construction of a 204-bed male hostel at the University of Ilorin.
PLATFORM TIMES gathered tbat the foundation-laying ceremony for the hostel is scheduled for October 23, 2026.
The project, according to the association, is aimed at supporting the university’s infrastructure and improving student welfare by providing additional accommodation and a more conducive environment for teaching, learning and research.
The association said the initiatives were designed not merely as recognition for its former leaders but as a way of transferring their legacies to younger generations.
It said the projects would inspire current and future students to embrace academic excellence, leadership, service and commitment to humanity.
The association expressed appreciation to the University of Ilorin management, members of the alumni body, donors, partners and other stakeholders for their support towards the initiatives.
It reaffirmed its commitment to giving back to the university and sustaining what it described as a legacy of excellence, service and responsible leadership.
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