Nineteen graduating students of the University of Ilorin have bagged distinctions in the 2022/2023 academic session, among a total of 12,042 graduating students for the institution’s 39th convocation ceremonies.

Speaking with journalists to herald the 39th convocation ceremonies of the institution in Ilorin on Thursday, the Vice Chancellor, Professor Wahab Egbewole (SAN), stated that 18 graduates received distinctions in Pharmacy, while one graduate achieved a distinction in Physiotherapy.

The Vice Chancellor also noted that a total of 256 graduates in the First Degree/Diploma category secured First Class honors, adding that 3,842 obtained Second Class (Upper Division), 6,178 earned Second Class (Lower Division), 1,299 received Third Class, and 62 were awarded Pass degrees.

“The 39th convocation ceremonies also include 124 MBBS graduands, 64 Nursing graduands, 35 Optometry graduands, 30 Veterinary Medicine graduands, and 18 graduands with Distinction, as well as 85 graduands with Pass in Pharmacy, one distinction and 32 Pass in Physiotherapy.

“We have a total of 16 Diploma degree holders. Furthermore, the total number of Higher Degrees to be awarded at the 39th convocation ceremonies is 1,875; out of this figure, there are 92 Postgraduate Diplomas, 1,280 Masters from various faculties, 179 Professional Masters, one MPhil, and 323 Ph.Ds,” he said.

Speaking on the administration of the university, the Vice Chancellor lamented the multiplier effect of the removal of the petroleum subsidy, particularly its implications for prices of goods and services.

Other challenges faced by the institution, according to the Vice Chancellor, include astronomical increases in electricity tariffs, galloping inflation, and infrastructural needs “to meet the evolving demands of higher education in a rapidly changing world.”

Egbewole, who stated that these obstacles have tested the resolve of the management, added, “We have braved these challenges, but not without a price. We adopted strategies to cope with the challenges, which are inevitable and the only constant matrix.”

The VC also mentioned that a total sum of N1,656,944,930.00 (N1.6 billion) was allocated to the university as an intervention fund from TETFund in the year under review.

He said that the fund covered 11 areas, including physical infrastructure/program upgrade, academic staff training, ICT support, among others.

Egbewole also indicated that the university received the sum of N250,000,000.00 for zonal interventions to execute different projects.