Member University in Focus: University of Ilorin, Nigeria, West Africa

The University of Ilorin (UNILORIN) is located in the ancient city of Ilorin, about 500 kilometres from Abuja, the Federal capital. Ilorin, the Capital of Kwara State, is strategically located at the geographical and cultural confluence of the North and South. Established in August 1957 as one of the seven institutions of higher learning  created by a decree of the Federal Military Government,  UNILORIN, in its 50 years of existence, stands as one of the premier institutions of higher learning in Nigeria with a student population of over 50,000 and staff strength of nearly 500.

A Growing Academic Community

From humble beginnings with only three faculties- Arts, Education, and Sciences, the University of Ilorin has significantly expanded to 16 faculties and about 150 departments, covering diverse areas including Agriculture, Arts, Basic Clinical Sciences, Basic Medical Sciences, Clinical Sciences, Communication and Information Sciences, Education, Engineering and Technology, Environmental Sciences, Social Sciences, Management Sciences, Law, Life Sciences, Physical Sciences, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Veterinary Medicine, to respond to the evolving needs of society and UNILORIN’s commitment to multidisciplinary knowledge. Additionally, a thriving Postgraduate School and a network of academic centers to address pressing societal needs.

Specialised centres such as the Centre for Peace and Strategic Studies, the Centre for Cultural Studies and Creative Arts, the Linguistic Immersion Centre, the Centre for Management and Leadership, the Centre for International Education, the Centre for Open and Distance Learning, the Centre for Gender Studies, the Centre for Blue and Regenerative Economy, and the Centre for Cybersecurity and Sustainable Development have been established to address the specific needs of knowledge seekers and provide platforms for innovative research, capacity building, and community engagement.

Digital Transformation and Technological Infrastructure

Over the years, UNILORIN has distinguished itself as a pioneer in harnessing technology to improve teaching, learning and research. Enhancing learning experience has been a core priority by successive administrations, with particular focus on modernizing library services and digitizing operations across the institution.

UNILORIN has fully digitized its library, aligning to global practices in higher education. With support from the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), the university expanded its library to include a robust E-Library offering online catalogues and soft copy collections accessible globally. The installation of Integrated Management System has further improved access, allowing students and researchers to retrieve materials seamlessly and securely.

Additionally, UNILORIN has heavily invested in technological infrastructure to support not only teaching and research, but also institutional management. Administrative and other relevant operational units of the university including the Registry, Bursary have been digitized. 

In 2013, the N95.8 million STEP-B funded fibre optics infrastructure was launched, which boosted the University’s internet bandwidth from 15 megabits per second to 155 megabits per second, making the internet facility more efficient, reliable and accessible. The upgrade was later expanded to STM4 in the University’s sustained drive to enhance teaching, learning and research.

UNILORIN also made history as the first university in Nigeria to adopt Computer-Based Testing (CBT) for admissions and examinations—a model later scaled nationwide by Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB).

Since relocating to its main campus in 2007, UNILORIN embarked on massive physical infrastructure expansion to include modern lecture halls, state-of-the-art laboratories including the Clinical Skills and Simulation Laboratory, departmental offices, a stadium complex, auditoriums, and a moot court to showcase its commitment to excellence.

Also, the establishment of the ultra-modern Molecular Diagnostic and Research Laboratory by the University has elevated public healthcare research and delivery in Nigeria.  

Research, Development and Innovation

The University has strengthened its research and development activities with a focus on addressing critical developmental challenges and promoting innovation. To drive its research and development efforts, the University established the Central Research Laboratories (CRL) and the Laboratory to Product Centre (LABTOP). In addition, an office for a Deputy Vice Chancellor specifically dedicated to coordinating the University’s research and innovation portfolio was created.

UNILORIN researchers have made considerable efforts in the areas of high impact research that are changing the face of research endeavours in the country. Some of the major research breakthroughs include

• Discovery of a new anti-malaria compound by Professor Joshua Ayoola Obaleye to effectively fight malaria.
• Invention of automobile speed limiter device by Dr Ajiboye and colleagues to prevent vehicles from exceeding predetermined maximum speed limits.
• Development of a prototype device by Dr Akorede and associates to forestall power theft by electricity consumers.

The University has at least eight patented research works, earning recognition in 2021 from the National Office for Technology Acquisition and Promotion (NOTAP) of the Federal Ministry of Science and Technology as the Nigerian university with the highest number of patent certificates for its impactful research, innovations, and inventions. 

Also, innovative projects, such as its economic tree plantations (palm, teak, moringa, and more), provide both training platforms for students and future streams of internally generated revenue.

Massive Internationalisation Drive

Guided by its vision “to be an international centre of excellence in learning, research, probity, and service to humanity”, UNILORIN has consistently prioritised the internationalisation of its activities. Through the Centre for International Education (CIE), the University has facilitated students and staff exchange with institutions across the globe. Again, over 100 Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) have been signed with notable institutions worldwide creating opportunities for research collaboration, and joint degree programmes. These partnerships have also deepened global integration and cultural exchange.

To enrich its academic and research profile, UNILORIN has engaged international faculties to strengthen research capabilities, grantsmanship and introduce innovative programmes. The University also participates in global knowledge exchange, by adopting global best practices and by contributing unique, locally relevant insights to the global academic community.

Membership in networks such as the Association of African Universities (AAU), the Association of West African Universities (AWAU), and the Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU), further reinforces UNILORIN’s global standing.

The modest efforts of the University of Ilorin on internationalization have yielded many gains, among which are: placing it on the global map of higher institutions of repute, affording the University the opportunity to partner many reputable universities all over the world; and affording the University access to facilities that are not available within the country, among others.  

Academic Stability and Recognition

In a country where strikes often disrupt academic calendars, the University of Ilorin stands apart for its academic stability, a reputation that has made it the most subscribed university by admission seekers for 14 consecutive years.  

UNILORIN’s commitment to academic excellence and societal impact has been duly recognized through the following awards and recognition:

• Ranked among the best five universities in Nigeria by reputable national and global ranking agencies.
• Rated the 3rd Best University in Nigeria based on the quality and quantity of scholarly outputs of its academic staff members for three consecutive years on Elsevier/Scopus – SciVal
• Recognised in Times Higher Education (THE) rankings, with 4 faculties and 11 courses rated among the world’s best in 2023.
• Recipient of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board’s (JAMB) National Tertiary Admissions Performance Merit Award (NATAP-M), including a N500 million prize as Nigeria’s best tertiary institution.
• Named the Most Outstanding University by The New Telegraph in 2024.

The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole has as one of its goals to propel UNILORIN to the topmost rank among its peers in Nigeria, making it one of the 10 most valued universities in Africa and in the league of 500 top-notch universities in the world.

Conclusion

The University of Ilorin has cemented its reputation as a Centre of academic stability, innovation, and global relevance. With its bold strides in research, digital transformation, and internationalization, UNILORIN continues to embody its mission to provide a world-class environment for learning, research, and service to humanity.

Additional Information

Address: P.M.B. 1515, Ilorin Nigeria

Vice Chancellor: Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole

Email:  registrar@unilorin.edu.ng / vc@unilorin.edu.ng

Website: https://www.unilorin.edu.ng/

Vision: To be an international centre of excellence in learning, research, probity and service to humanity.

Mission: To provide world-class environment for learning, research and community service.