'UNILORIN Made Me' — Al-Hikmah VC

The Vice-Chancellor of Al-Hikmah University, Ilorin, Professor Lateef Funsho Oladimeji, has reflected on his first year in office, describing the University of Ilorin (UNILORIN) as the institution that shaped his academic and leadership journey.

Speaking while reviewing his administration's achievements after one year as the university's sixth and first internal substantive Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Oladimeji said the values, discipline, and leadership culture he acquired at UNILORIN continue to influence his vision for Al-Hikmah University.

The Vice-Chancellor, an alumnus of UNILORIN who obtained all his academic qualifications from the institution, stated that his administration is committed to replicating the culture of excellence, innovation, and stability associated with the university.

He also commended the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Professor Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN, for his leadership and contributions to higher education in Kwara State, particularly through the establishment of the KU8+ initiative. According to him, the collaboration has strengthened research, institutional development, and cooperation among universities across the state.

Reviewing his administration's performance, Prof. Oladimeji disclosed that Al-Hikmah University secured 100 percent accreditation for all 28 academic programmes assessed by the National Universities Commission (NUC), recorded its highest student enrolment since inception, and improved from third to second position among universities in Kwara State in the Times Higher Education rankings.

He also highlighted the successful licensing of the university's Centre for Open and Distance Learning (ODL), describing it as a major milestone that will enable students across the world to obtain Al-Hikmah degrees without physically attending classes on campus.

The Vice-Chancellor further revealed that plans are underway to establish Al-Hikmah Radio Station to promote academic activities and strengthen community engagement. He acknowledged the contributions of UNILORIN FM and its General Manager, Mr. Idris Alooma, for the support the institution has received over the years.

Prof. Oladimeji added that the university is expanding its academic offerings with proposed engineering programmes, strengthening its MBBS programme now at the clinical training stage, pursuing energy self-sufficiency projects, and investing in commercial agriculture through a large-scale farming initiative.

He praised the Founder of Al-Hikmah University, Chief AbdulRaheem Oladimeji, for his continuous support and commitment to the institution's growth, noting that the university's achievements have been made possible through collective efforts and visionary leadership.

On inclusiveness, the Vice-Chancellor said Al-Hikmah remains open to people of different religious and ethnic backgrounds, provided they abide by the university's rules and values. He noted that both Christian and Muslim staff and students continue to thrive within the institution's environment of discipline and mutual respect.

Prof. Oladimeji also disclosed that his administration has sponsored 68 lecturers for professional development, expanded postgraduate enrolment to more than 2,700 students, and upgraded teaching facilities with the installation of smart boards through alumni support.

He appealed to the Federal Government to review existing policies to allow students in private universities benefit from TETFund interventions and NELFUND student loans, arguing that parents of such students also contribute to national development through tax payments.