Daud Olatunji
In a landmark development for the University of Ilorin Alumni Association, a new leadership team has emerged following a closely watched election held on Saturday, August 24, 2024.
The election, which took place during a highly attended Congress, marks a significant turning point for the Association after years of internal strife and delays.
PLATFORM TIMES reports that over 1,000 members from across 33 states and the Federal Capital Territory gathered to witness the election, a process that had been mired in controversy and legal challenges since 2021.
The Association’s recent history has been turbulent, as recounted by the Chairman of the Council of Past Presidents, Prof. Durosaro David Olorunfemi, who in his address, lamented the severe crises that have plagued the Association.
He highlighted the various unsuccessful attempts to broker peace, which left the Association in a precarious state.
PLATFORM TIMES further gathered from the press release issued by National Publicity Secretary, Chief Olorunsuwa Elijah Ola, that the election had originally been slated for 2021 but faced multiple setbacks.
Prof. Jeleel Ojuade, Chairman of the National Interim Committee in the statement, explained to the Congress that the delay was due to several challenges, including court injunctions in Kwara and Nasarawa states, police and media harassment, and persistent internal conflicts.
He said despite these hurdles, the Interim Committee managed to steer the Association through a difficult period, maintaining stability until the election could finally take place.
Prof. Adeoye Abdulrasheed member of the University of Ilorin Governing Council, along with Dr. Alex Akanmu, Acting Dean of Students’ Affairs, and Dr. Mutu Agboke, Osun State Resident Electoral Commissioner, commended the Interim Committee and the Council of Past Presidents for stabilizing the Association during its turbulent period.
They praised their efforts in steering the organisation away from crisis.
In his acceptance speech, the newly elected National President, Prof. Abdulrasak Olusuyi Kilani, pledged to restore the integrity and commitment that the Association and the University of Ilorin have been known for since their inception.
He expressed his gratitude to the immediate past Interim Executive for their dedication and promised to leverage the vast network of alumni globally for the University’s advancement.
Prof. Kilani will be joined by a team of other newly elected executives, including Engr. Lawal Iswat Ayinke as National Vice President, the role of National Secretary has been entrusted to Dr. Raji Barakat, with Okorom Mary Jane Oluchi serving as Assistant General Secretary.
Other key executive members include Agboola Ganiyat-Temitope as National Treasurer and Aun Isaac Iortimbir as National Finance Secretary.
The National Publicity Secretary role has been assigned to Chief Olorunsuwa Elijah Ola, while Hussein A. Dasola takes on the position of National Organising Secretary.
Fagbemi Lukman will serve as National Legal Adviser, and Mr. Ahmed Abdulrasheed has been appointed as National Auditor.
Together, they are expected to guide the Association into a new era of stability and progress.
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