The University of Ilorin, (UNILORIN), is a federal government university located in Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria. Established in 1975 by a decree of the Federal Military Government, it spans approximately 15,000 hectares, making it one of Nigeria’s largest landmass institutions. Ilorin, the capital of Kwara State, is strategically located about 300 km from Lagos and 500 km from Abuja, the country’s administrative capital.
The university’s roots trace back to its beginning as a University College affiliated with Nigeria’s oldest university in 1975 under the leadership of the then principal, Dr T.N. Tamuno.
September 1975, Professor Tamuno, the Head of the History Department at the University of Ibadan, assumed the role of the first Principal of the College. Shortly after, he also became the Vice-Chancellor of the University of ibadan, leading to the appointment of Professor O.O. Akinkugbe as the new Principal in December 1975. Professor Akinkugbe, formerly the Dean of the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Ibadan.
23 October 1976, the first set of 200 students, selected through an entrance examination, were admitted into residence. Academic work commenced on 25 October, following the Principal’s address. Initially comprising three academic faculties of Arts, Science, and Education, the institution attained full autonomous status in October 1977 with the appointment of the then Principal, Professor O.O Akinkugbe, as the first vice chancellor.
Notably, former vice chancellor Is-haq Oloyede holds the distinction of being the first Unilorin alumnus to occupy that position. The staff and student populations have grown, currently standing at 500 and over 50,000, respectively. The university began on a portion of the temporary campus of the Kwara State Polytechnic, known as the mini campus, hosting academic programs in various faculties. However, in January 1982, more than 1000 science students moved to the permanent campus site, which saw the completion of new faculty blocks and residences for Natural Sciences and Engineering.
1983, the law program, initially a department in the Faculty of Business and Social Sciences, was re-established as a full-fledged Faculty after a 6-year hiatus. Presently, the university boasts 16 faculties: Arts, Agriculture, Basic Clinical Sciences, Basic Medical Sciences , Clinical Sciences, Communication and Information Sciences , Education, Engineering and Technology, Environmental Sciences, Law, Life Sciences, Management Sciences, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Social Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, encompassing over 60 academic departments. Undergraduate degree programs range from 3-5, or 6 years, depending on entry qualifications and discipline.
The University of Ilorin, plays a pivotal role in Nigeria’s higher education landscape. It was one of the six institutions of higher learning established by a decree of the Federal Military Government in August 1975, aligning with the educational directives of the country’s Third National Development Plan.
UNIVERSITY OF ILORIN (UNILORIN) MOTTO AND LOGO MEANING
Before we dive into the main point about the meaning of the University of Ilorin’s motto and logo, let’s understand what they represent. The school’s motto, PROBITAS DOCTRINA, simply means LEARNING AND CHARACTER. It highlights the importance of not just gaining knowledge but also building good character. Now, look at the university logo with the open book . It’s there to show how much they value education. The logo also depicts a part of the sun rays which conveys the fact that EDUCATION BRINGS ABOUT ENLIGHTENMENT. In a nutshell, the motto and logo reflect the university’s commitment to both learning and building good character, emphasizing the transformative power of education.
ABOUT THE WRITER
My name is Abdullah Sulaiman, popularly known as Honorable.
UNILORITE , member of TEAM OSUN THE POSITIVE VOICE.
For educational updates or questions, message me via WhatsApp 09038521792.
Honorable Abdullah is my Facebook page, though it’s a new page. This post will be available there, also. Please like, follow, share, and also comment the next institution I should talk about.
Thanks for reading.
About Author
Thank you very much sir,i really appreciate
Thank you very much sir