The Senate of the University of Ilorin has approved, in principle, the transmutation of the University Postgraduate School into a Postgraduate College, and directed the University management to set up an implementation committee to actualise the decision.
The approval was one of the major highlights of the 306th Senate Meeting, chaired by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN, and held at the University Auditorium penultimate Thursday (August 14, 2025). Presenting the report of the Senate Committee on Enhancing the Administration of Postgraduate School (Autonomy), its Chairman, Prof. Raji Abdulgafar Bello, noted that while the proposed upgrade should be considered by the University Administration, it was important to first identify and address certain troublesome administrative components to ensure a smooth transition. He pointed out that the administration of the Postgraduate School may require additional staffing and restructuring of some administrative processes to improve efficiency and effectiveness.
Prof. Bello further observed that since the current postgraduate budget is tied to “ways and means”, which is largely dependent on student population and budget performance, the University should consider increasing the budgetary allocation where necessary, particularly in the face of inflation. He also identified the need for prompt payment of external examiners’ honoraria for Ph.D. and Master degrees. He further suggested a review of the mode of payment for Master degree external examinations to make the process more efficient.
On the proposed structure, the Committee stated that the transition to a Postgraduate College system was necessary, as the National Universities Commission (NUC) had already approved the University of llorin as a tenable institution for the local component of the TETFund Scholarship for Academic Staff (TSAS) Intervention Programme.
According to the Committee, the transition would begin with structural reorganisation, recognising academic Departments as functional partners of the Postgraduate School. He added that the Postgraduate College would be headed by a Provost, while Sub-Deans would assume the title of Deputy Provosts and the School Secretary would become the College Secretary, while each Faculty would have a Sub-Dean (Postgraduate College) to represent the Faculty on the College Board.
Other members of the Committee include Prof. M. T. Yakubu, Prof. A. C. Onuora-Oguno, Prof. Olubunmi A. Fadipe-Joseph, and Prof. Bolanle G. Arokoyo, with Mrs. Omobukola G. Omotoye serving as Secretary.