The Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin (Unilorin), Kwara State, Professor Wahab Egbewole SAN, has admonished Nigerian youths to seek academic knowledge that will impact their world and the society at large, noting that it is a solution to navigate out of some of the societal challenges.

Prof Egbewole stated this in Ilorin during the 50th anniversary celebration of the institution held in the school auditorium. At the event, over 60 former graduates of Unilorin were honoured with distinguished awards and ambassadorial investitures.

Speaking with newsmen at the ceremony, Prof Egbewole remarked that Nigerian youths must continuously engage themselves in the seeking of knowledge for the purpose of impacting the society positively.

Reacting to the mammoth crowd that graced the occasion, Prof Egbewole said, “It’s a great day for the institution and a worthy venture as former graduates and people from all walks of life responded to the invitation, showing how important the day has been for the university.

“Ten distinguished alumni, two awards of excellence and fifty ambassadors, all former graduates of the University of Ilorin, were honoured at the event.

“Our mantra is learning in character, and it is based on this that we build our students with positive values and ideals which has reflected in our opportunity to give out awards to the deserving alumni.”

The ceremony attracted eminent personalities that included Dr Tunji Olowolafe and Dr Murtadha Adeniji, who received special Award of Excellence. Others are the Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Prof Is-haq Oloyede; Nigerian Immigration boss, Kemi Nanna Nadap; Babatunde Omotewa; Dr Sarah Omotunde Alade; Dr Abdulwahab Adebayo Ibraheem; Prof Abdul Rasheed Na’Allah; Prof Adenike Temidayo Oladiji; Prof Olayemi Akinwumi; Justice Asmau Tanwa Akanbi, and Prof David Olufemi Durosare, all of who were recognised as Distinguished Alumni.

Meanwhile, the paramount ruler of Erinmo-Ijesa Kingdom, His Royal Majesty, Oba (Dr) Michael Odunayo Ajayi, Arowotawaya II, the Elerinmo of Erinmo, headlined the distinguished 50 Ambassadors that included another traditional ruler, Oba Ismail Bolaji Yahaya Muhammed, Atoloye Alebiosu. Others included two media personalities – Director of Current Affairs, TVC Communications, Babajide Kolade-Otitoju, and Seun Okinbaloye of Channels Television – as well as legal luminaries Chief Rafiu Oyeyemi Balogun SAN; Barr. Yemi Ayeni SAN; Omotunde Adeola SAN; Oyetola Muyiwa Atoyebi SAN, among others.

Oba Odunayo Ajayi is an alumnus of the University of Ilorin (Unilorin) and his recognition stands as a testament to his commitment to youth empowerment, education, community development and peace building. A custodian of Yoruba culture and heritage and an erudite monarch, Oba Ajayi’s investiture as Distinguished Ambassador and the huge royal entourage that accompanied him to the venue highlight his growing relevance in the traditional institution as well in national and global spheres.