The University of Ilorin’s Centre for Affiliated Institutions (CAI) has organised a three-day capacity-building training to promote academic excellence, practical efficiency and professionalism among its 16 affiliate institutions.
The training, which was held from April 7th to 9th, 2025, at the University Auditorium Basement, brought together key stakeholders from across the country.
In his remarks, Wahab Olasupo Egbewole SAN, a Professor of International Law – the University Vice Chancellor, underscored the importance of integrity and continuous learning in sustaining relevance and upholding standards in higher education.
“One of our core values at the University of Ilorin is integrity. We expect all our affiliate institutions to uphold this value through quality assessment and credible academic practices.
“We are putting a spotlight on the certificates your students graduate with. The quality of instruction, standard of assessments, and examination invigilation must reflect the high standards we maintain at University of Ilorin”, he said.
He further encouraged affiliate institutions to adapt and evolve, saying “to be more is to know more. We must constantly review our practices. The Nigeria of yesterday is different from the Nigeria of today, and to remain relevant, we must embrace research and development.”
Rafiu Ibrahim Adebayo, a Professor of Islamic Studies, the Provost of the Federal College of Education, Iwo, Osun State, delivered the keynote address, entitled “Strengthening Affiliated Institutions for Academic Excellence: The UNILORIN Experience.”
He emphasised the relevance of the training, describing it as timely given the growing need for collaboration, accountability, and strategic planning in tertiary education.
“This workshop aims to align affiliate institutions with the University’s standards, expectations, and operational procedures. Our partnership must reflect the credibility and academic excellence Unilorin is known for. Every student graduating from any affiliated institution must receive an education that is competitive, qualitative, and globally relevant”, he said.
He urged affiliate institutions to remain fully committed to University of Ilorin’s laid-down procedures and to maintain the university’s legacy of excellence, stability, and integrity.
Adebayo, also commended the appointment of the CAI Director, describing it as “a round peg in a round hole.”
In his welcome address, Yahya Oyewole Imam, a Professor of Islamic Studies – Director of Centre Affiliated Institutions, said the training was initiated to realign the Centre’s operations with the University’s overall vision.
“A memo outlining my plans for the Centre aligned with the Vision 1:10:500 agenda of the current administration was submitted to the Vice-Chancellor. I’m pleased to report that the proposals were approved, though some were modified,” he noted.
He explained that the workshop was designed to familiarise participants with key areas such as admission requirements, staffing, curriculum development, examination administration, result processing, certificate issuance, and statutory charges.
Highlighting the growth of the Centre, Imam revealed that 16 institutions are currently affiliated with Unilorin with five more in the process of affiliation. He attributed this surge to the University’s reputation for academic quality and institutional stability.
Imam thanked the Vice-Chancellor for providing an enabling environment for the Centre to thrive and urged affiliates to support the Centre’s goal of becoming a leading hub for affiliated institutions, not only in Nigeria but globally.
He also encouraged participants to engage actively in the workshop sessions, which were led by carefully selected speakers renowned for their academic expertise.
Other facilitators included Abdulrafi’i Oyewumi Omotosho, a Professor of Islamic Law, University of Ilorin spoke on collaboration, research, mentorship, and guidance; and Afolake Nafisat Adetoun Shittu, a Professor of Education Technology, University of Ilorin who addressed “Staffing, Teaching, and Curriculum Studies,” emphasizing the importance of adapting to emerging technologies and nurturing professional educators.
In their goodwill messages, Lere Adeyemi, Professor of Yoruba Literary Theatre; Abdulrasheed Adeoye Abiodun, Professor of Performing Arts; and Bamidele Victor Owoyele, Professor of Physiology Neurosciences declared Unilorin’s zero-tolerance policy on examination malpractice.
They called on affiliate institutions to provide quality education, invest in research, and prepare students for global competitiveness.
They also urged participants to align fully with the University’s systems and assured them of Unilorin’s unwavering support in helping affiliates deliver standard education.
The 16 institutions represented at the workshop were: An-Najaah Islamic Institute, Ibadan; Markaz University College, Agege; Bn. Ballo College of Arts and Islamic Sciences, Ibadan; Haruna Rasheed Centre for Arabic and Islamic Studies, Ilorin; National Institute for Security Studies, Abuja; Osun State Polytechnic, Iree; National Teachers’ Institute, Kaduna.
Others are: Peacock College of Education, Jalingo; Kwara State College of Education, Ilorin; Michael Imoudu National Institute for Labour Studies, Ilorin; Kwara State Polytechnic, Ilorin; Raodah Centre for Islamic and Arabic Studies, Ikirun; School of Community Health Education, UITH, Ilorin; School of Health Information Management, UITH, Ilorin; School of Nursing Sciences, UITH, Ilorin; and Selia Amoke Oyawoye Islamic Centre, Offa
