The Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, Prof Ishaq Oloyede, has applauded the University of Ilorin for upholding the true essence of honour through its recent awards ceremony, distinguishing itself from institutions that hand out honorary titles without merit.
Speaking at the investiture ceremony held at the university auditorium, Oloyede, a former vice-chancellor of the institution, described the awards of excellence given out by the university as a reflection of integrity and purpose.
“In many places today, honorary awards are handed out like souvenirs; they have become valueless.
But here at the University of Ilorin, we don’t engage in such,” he said.
“This university awards only excellence to those who have made a real impact in their world,” Oloyede added.
The event, which featured the recognition of 50 ambassadors, 10 distinguished alumni, and two individuals for the award of excellence, also had a legal luminary, Chief Rafiu Oyeyemi Balogun (SAN), as a recipient.
Balogun (SAN) echoed Oloyede’s sentiments, warning that many honorary awards were influenced by politics or personal gain.
“Unfortunately, most honorary awards have lost their dignity. They can be bought or politically manipulated, but what Unilorin is doing here is noble,” Balogun stated.
Delivering the keynote, the Kuliyan of Ilorin, Prof Yusuf Ali, urged attendees to give back to the institutions and communities that shaped them, describing such gestures as a moral obligation.
The Vice-Chancellor, Prof Wahab Egbewole (SAN), reaffirmed the school’s commitment to recognising true merit and called on other institutions to emulate the standard.
“We are not just giving awards, we are celebrating excellence, service, and commitment to nation-building,” he said.
