UNILORIN Secures N1.9bn TETFund Grants for Development Projects
The University of Ilorin (UNILORIN) has received a N1.9 billion grant from the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) to support various projects, as announced by Vice-Chancellor Professor Wahab Olasupo Egbewole during a press conference for the university's 39th convocation.
Chris Oyeoku Okafor 
The University of Ilorin (UNILORIN) has secured a significant funding boost of N1.9 billion from the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) aimed at supporting various developmental projects within the institution. This announcement was made by the university's Vice-Chancellor, Professor Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, during a press conference held in conjunction with the commencement of the university's 39th convocation ceremony.
Professor Egbewole highlighted that for the year 2024, TETFund allocated an intervention fund of N1.6 billion to UNILORIN, focusing on 11 key areas, including upgrading physical infrastructure and enhancing academic staff training and ICT support. Additionally, the university received a Zonal Intervention grant of N250 million to execute a range of projects.
Despite ongoing challenges, Egbewole affirmed that the university is thriving, attributing its resilience to the management’s strategic planning. He emphasized the institution’s remarkable strides in digital transformation, which have improved operational efficiency, security, and accessibility.
In a bid to bolster academic collaboration, the university recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the North China University of Water Resources and Electric Power. This partnership aims to enhance curriculum development, collaborative research, and joint degree programs, thereby strengthening China-Africa cooperation.
Furthermore, UNILORIN has partnered with Board Grains Limited to initiate mechanized farming activities on university farmland. This initiative will provide students with hands-on experience in agricultural practices while promoting food security in the region.
The Vice-Chancellor also introduced the University of Ilorin Innovative Skills and Pioneering Entrepreneurship Award (U-INSPIRE), launched on October 4, which is designed to equip students with internship and volunteering opportunities, alongside essential skills for success in today’s competitive job market.
Professor Egbewole reported on the successful implementation of a scalable Enterprise Resource Portal (ERP) that streamlines communication and transactions between students, staff, and administrators. Notable advancements include a digital admissions ranking system, automated student union elections, and a remote clearance process for final-year students.
Among the completed projects set to be commissioned during the convocation are the Faculty of Law Library, the Home Economics and Food Science Building, solar street lighting from the university gate to the Senate building and student hostels, and a guest house at the Abuja liaison office.
In total, the 39th convocation will celebrate the graduation of 12,042 students across various faculties, including an impressive 256 first-class graduates. The ceremony will also award 1,875 higher degrees, comprising 323 PhDs, 1,280 Master’s degrees, and 92 Postgraduate Diplomas.
