1. The University of Ilorin was established by a decree of the Federal Military Government in 1975
2. It was established as a university college affiliated with the University of Ibadan.
3. It began its academic activities in 1976 with only three faculties: Arts, Science, and Education.
4. In 1977, it gained full university status, becoming an independent institution and expanding its academic offerings over the years.
5. Professor O.O Akinkugbe was the first Vice-Chancellor of the university
6. UNILORIN’s main campus is located in Ilorin, the capital of Kwara State.
7. The university occupies about 15,000 hectares of land, making it one of the largest university campuses in Nigeria.
8. In 2021, it is reported by Joint Admission Matriculation Board (JAMB) to be the most sought-after Nigerian university.
9. Again in 2023, it was announced by the JAMB Head, Professor Ishaq Oloyede to be the sought-after University, for the 2023 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examinations (UTME), making it for the 10th consecutive year.
10. The first set of 200 students were admitted on 23 October 1976 after an entrance exam.
11. The University College started with three academic faculties: Arts, Science and Education.
12. The university started off on a portion of the temporary campus of the Kwara State Polytechnic known as the mini-campus.
13. All operations of the university were conducted on the mini-campus until January 1982 when more than 1000 students were moved to the permanent site.
14. Is-haq Oloyede was the first alumnus to be appointed as vice-chancellor.
15. The University offers undergraduate and post-graduate programmes.
