The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Professor Wahab Egbewole, has decried the menace of brain drain that has hit the Nigerian university system.
He also noted the inadequate resources hindering the proper running of Nigerian universities and the dangers of understaffing.
At a world press conference on the 37th and 38th convocation ceremonies of the institution, where 25,234 students will graduate, with 450 in the First Class division, Professor Egbewole admitted that “some of our best eggs are leaving the country in droves.”
Taking solace in late Chief Obafemi Awolowo’s philosophy on life and education, he said the university management had shown that nothing can deter their commitment to education and progress.
The VC urged the management to “tear the mask of retrogression, servitude, social inequality, mediocrity and indignity in our university and the nation at large. ”
“We have 14,477 students for the 37th convocation ceremonies in the 2020/2021 academic session, and 10,757 students for the 38th convocation ceremonies who are for the 2021/2022 academic session,” he said.
“The 2020/2021 academic session produced 211 first class graduates, while the 2021/2022 academic session produced 239 first class graduates.”
Professor Egbewole said although the past year had been with its challenges with the multiplier effects of the fuel subsidy removal, which has tested the institution’s economic resilience and prudent, but “I must deliver on the mandates given to me and the dreams of the founding fathers of this university.”
