The University of Ilorin has unveiled plans to institute the ‘Lecturer of the Year’ award across its 16 faculties, aiming to acknowledge and motivate exceptional academic contributions. The announcement transpired during a special consultative meeting at the institution’s main auditorium, where the deputy vice-chancellor (Academic), Olubunmi Abayomi Omotesho, detailed the university’s fifth strategic plan, titled ‘Shuttling to the Space.’
Omotesho, also the committee chair for the strategic plan, emphasized that the new award seeks to enhance productivity and service delivery among academic staff, fostering an environment that produces outstanding alumni capable of global competition. Notably, this initiative will complement existing “Merit Awards” conferred during convocation ceremonies.
Beyond recognizing lecturers, the university intends to introduce various awards for different stakeholders, fostering a culture of excellence. The strategic plan encompasses not only accolades but also introduces long-service awards for dedicated staff, especially those with two decades of commitment to the institution.
Additionally, the university will inaugurate an Open Day, providing parents with insights into their children’s academic and overall performances. At the event attended by senior officials from various cadres, the vice-chancellor, Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, urged staff members to play their roles effectively, envisioning the university’s ascent to the top 10 in Africa and the global top 500.
Egbewole emphasized the significance of an interactive session to involve staff in decision-making for the university’s next five years, stressing the alignment of staff and students’ efforts and the importance of collective commitment to achieve corporate objectives.
The consultative meeting received commendation from participants across different university units, praising the management’s proactive approach. Bilikis Giwa proposed appointing a Desk Officer to ensure the faithful implementation of the strategic plan, emphasizing the need for meticulous execution.
The event boasted the presence of prominent figures such as deputy VC (Management Services) Suleiman Funsho Ambali, registrar Mansur Adeleke Alfanla, Ag. bursar Oba Abdulbarki, University librarian Kamaldeen Tunde Omopupa, and director of corporate affairs Kunle Akogun.
