Posted by Professor Wahab Egbewole, Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, has spoken out on the problem of student emigration from Nigeria’s higher education institutions.
He also warned of the perils of understaffing and the insufficient funding that impedes the efficient operation of Nigerian universities.
At a press conference for the 37th and 38th convocation ceremonies of the university, Professor Egbewole stated, “some of our best eggs are leaving the country in droves.” The ceremonies will see 25,234 students graduate, with 450 receiving First Class honors.
Referencing the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo’s outlook on life and learning, he expressed confidence in the university administration’s unwavering dedication to teaching and research.
The Vice Chancellor pleaded with the administration to “tear the mask of retrogression, servitude, social inequality, mediocrity, and indignity in our university and the nation at large.”
In the 2020/21 academic year, he remarked, “we have 14,477 students for the 37th convocation ceremonies,” whereas the following year, “we have 10,757 students for the 38th convocation ceremonies.”
A total of 211 students graduated at the top of their class in the 2020–21 school year, while 239 students did so in the 2021–22 school year.
While the removal of the fuel subsidy last year presented difficulties due to its multiplier effects, Professor Egbewole said, “I must deliver on the mandates given to me and the dreams of the founding fathers of this university.”