Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq has appointed Professor Shaykh-Lukman Alade Jimoh as the substantive Vice Chancellor of the Kwara State University (KWASU). This announcement came on Tuesday via a statement from the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Rafiu Ajakaye.
Professor Shaykh-Lukman emerged as the top candidate following a rigorous screening exercise conducted by the university’s governing council. His selection is seen as a testament to his extensive experience and scholarly contributions. Previously, Shaykh-Lukman served as the Acting Vice Chancellor and was the Deputy Vice Chancellor from 2020 to 2022.
At 60, Shaykh-Lukman brings a wealth of experience and numerous academic accolades to his new role. Among his achievements are being named the Best Graduating Student of the Department of Religions at the University of Ilorin in 1988, receiving the University Undergraduate Scholarship Award in 1987/1988, and earning the title of University Scholar in the same academic year. He is also a distinguished member of various professional bodies, including the Chartered Institute of Public Advocacy and Management, and the Council of Experts for the International Centre on Contemporary Research in Islamic Sciences in the UK.
Professor Shaykh-Lukman hails from Igbaja in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State, reflecting the Governor’s commitment to leveraging local talent for key educational roles.
In a related development, Governor Abdulrazaq has approved the transformation of the Kwara State College of Education in Ilorin into the University of Education. This decision, aimed at streamlining operations and enhancing logistic efficiencies, aligns with the government’s broader efforts to revitalize educational institutions across the state.
The Governor’s actions follow closely on the heels of his assent to two significant bills: the Kwara State University Teaching Hospital (Establishment) and the Kwara State University of Education (Establishment) Bills. These legislative measures, now enacted, pave the way for the establishment of a teaching hospital and the University of Education, marking a new era for tertiary education in Kwara State.
The official signing ceremony took place at Government House, Ilorin, with notable attendees including House of Assembly Speaker Rt Hon. Yakubu Danladi Salihu, Majority Leader Hon. Oba AbdulKadir Magaji, the Clerk of the House AbdulKareem Ahmed, and Abdulrazaq Jiddah, Special Adviser (Special Duties) and a member of the Committee on the Establishment of Kwara State University of Education.
These developments underscore Governor Abdulrazaq’s ongoing commitment to enhancing educational infrastructure and opportunities within Kwara State, promising a bright future for the region’s academic landscape.
