IEPA Honours Ilorin Indigenes with Scholarships; UDUS-NAISS President Among Recipients

The Ilorin Emirate Professors Association(IEPA), on Saturday, 27th of December, 2025, held its Annual General meeting and scholarship award, marking the seventh edition of its kind aimed in honouring the outstanding undergraduate students of Ilorin indigene.

The event, with the theme,” Roles and Responsibilities of Academia in Good Governance," took place at the Millennium Hotel, Fate Road, in Ilorin, Kwara State. It attracted several distinguished professors within the Ilorin metropolis. Among those in attendance including Prof. Saka Nurudeen, former DVC, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria; Prof. Abdulganiyu Ambali, former VC of Unilorin and Governing Council Chairman, Kwara State University Malete; Prof Moshood Jimba, DVC Administration KWASU; Prof Abdulsalam Abiodun Abdulsalman, University Librarian, KWASU; and Balogun Alanamu; Dr. Atolagbe Jos, an Associate Professor of Mathematics; and others.

Delivering the keynote address, Professor Ibrahim Gambari, former Chief of Staff to the late former President Muhammad Buhari, ex-minister of external affairs, and the ex-Nigerian envoy to the United Nations (UN), emphasized that excellence is the synergy to addressing Nigeria's problems.

He noted that monitoring the young generations would go a long way in achieving excellence and contribute to the nation's growth, adding that it will pave the way to put mentees into positions of responsibility.

Speaking with Pen Press Correspondent, the President of National Association of Islamic Students(NAISS), Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto (UDUS) Chapter, Yahaya Ridwanullahi expressed his joy over the awards and for being selected among the several numbers of applicants of IEPA Award Scholarships.

“I'm so happy to be selected alongside others for this year's award. I appreciate God Almighty for counting me among the successful ones,” he rejoiced. “The scholarship has given me hope that I can do better through dedication and hard work,” he added.

He described the award as a source of inspiration to continue striving for academic excellence and to emulate people who have walk-through the life and distinguished themselves in academia. 

“The gathering is a place the students of knowledge visit every year because the different professors were in attendance and really serve as motivation to continue pursuing academic excellence as young ones,” he added.

Ridwanullahi Yahaya gives the account of the event, he noted that the award is not only recognizing the outstanding students but also includes the cash prize of N100,000.

“I'm delighted to be recognized for striving for academic excellence and acknowledge the cash prize of N100,000 as financial support”

According to him, the event gives him the opportunity to meet in person and have a discussion with some of his mentors, fathers, and Islamic experts whom he has been passionate about their works and excellent contributions in academia 

“Yesterday, I had the incredible opportunity to meet Prof. Alaro, and I'm still buzzing from the experience! He not only congratulated me but also shared valuable words of advice that truly hit,” he said.

“He reminded me that my achievement is a testament to hard work and dedication. And encourage to keep pushing boundaries, stay focused, and trust the process – success is on the horizon!” he added.

As NAISS-UDUS president, he advised fellow students to strive for academic excellence. Stressing that perseverance and the struggle are essential pathways to greatness.

He concluded by expressing his gratitude to everyone who has contributed positively to his growth, especially his lecturers. 

“I'm so grateful for the guidance and support. Moments like this remind me why I love learning and striving for excellence,” he said.