I have the privilege of graduating from the great University of Ilorin some 26 years ago. The name, UNILORIN, is not only cherished by all but, has worked wonders on many occasions as our pride. I am therefore, in many ways connected and concerned about the happenings in the institution, particularly about the association, which automatically bonded us together and should in turn be partners in developmental stride of the university.

By my conservative assessment, the university over the years has produced and graduated men and women of great substance doing well in all spheres of life. In my little sojourn, I have met highly ranked UNILORIN graduates (national and international origin) as captains of industry, respected public and civil servants, top bankers, key players in the oil and gas industry, telecommunications gurus, security chiefs and experts. The list is endless and still growing! Should these calibers of distinguished Alumni be led by miscreants or elements without pedigree or second address apart from Alumni secretariat?

This and more left me worried and compelled me to pen down my views as I watched the name of the association being dragged in the mud or power tussle in the last 2 and half years or so. I first came across disturbing news about the association on social media around April, 2021. Till date, I have read countless shameless stories. I should believe a number of well-meaning alumni are as worried as I am in the last few months.

For situating the matter rightly, I understand from stories making the rounds that the Dr. Wale Fasakin led exco was alleged of misdeamours; the crisis which culminated from spree of suspension and disagreements among the then exco; a congress took place, though the legality of the Congress was challenged by the embattled Fasakin’s group but, ultimately succeeded in installing a caretaker committee led by Engr Iswat Akanbi-Lawal and fact-finding committee led by Prof Adegboyega Adisa Fawole of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Health Sciences; the report, by information at my disposal, has been submitted with shocking revelations of some individuals turning the association to feeding bottle and indiscriminate use of power, conversion of association’s properties for personal use or purpose and the need to streamline tenure or getting credible elements into the leadership positions.

In my investigation, I was made to understand that Council of Past Presidents among whom are the likes of Profs Durosaro, Oloyede and Abdulkareem, already intervened and called for meetings. In an attempt to find lasting solution to the matter, Prof Jelili Ojuade Steering Committee was birthed and has been actively managing the association in the one year plus. The Committee had reported cases of threat to life and, in spite of all odds, has been able to improve on the management of the alumni hostel and safe some funds hitherto (another source of the crisis presently).

Sadly, apart from managing hostel built by past leadership, there is nothing significant to point to as positive contribution of our own alumni association to the university unlike similar association in various universities across the globe. Our own association in the 21st Century, is not talking about endowment funds, scholarships for indigents and brightest students, partnership in ICT or solarizing the campus nor attracting fund for the development of the Alma mata; it is rather one court injunction or the other from Dr. Fasakin, disregard for collective wisdoms and the brand name of Unilorin. This act, no doubt violates article 2 of our association’s constitutions.

I heard, from a reliable source that the court at a time requested the university administration to wade into the matter and get issues resolved amicably among all warring factions or parties, agreement was reached and everyone smiled to the camera in the true spirit of reconciliation! Parties were said to have sent in their representative to conduct unity convention but amazingly, few days into the inauguration, the Fasakin’s group backed out and, started the usual shenanigan by using his connections in the Nigeria Police Force to harass members so identified as opposed to his views and court orders from left and right again.

If leadership is about service, must we get to this level? Which mandate exactly is Fasakin protecting? What is also not clear to me is, if there is retirement package for serving as alumni exco to make people feel it is their father’s inheritance?

The fundamental questions in my mind are: Why is Fasakin insisting on remaining in office – association’s interest or feeding bottle matter? When will Ojuade’s Steering Committee leaving the stage or another sit-tight syndrome? When will credible elements be elected to lead the association?

This nonsense must stop now or we kill the association forever. Some individuals cannot and should not sit in the office complex of our association expecting annual graduating students’ dues as source for their livelihood. We need men of integrity with registered second address outside alumni office to lead the association at such a time as this in the history of our institution and in the face of global challenges. What we need now is an alumni body thinking of funding and encouraging accountability at all levels. Alumni association that is led by respected personalities whose appearances command honour and attract favours. We must begin to look inward as an association for quality men and women to lead us. I urge stakeholders, body of past presidents, captains of industry and, well to do alumni to rise to the occasion of protecting the future of Unilorin Alumni Association.

Long live University of Ilorin

Long live Alumni Association

 

Dr Olokoba Abdullahi Ayinla is the Chairman, Kwara State Chapter of the association. He writes from Ilorin, Kwara State.