From Samuel James, Ilorin

The University of Ilorinin still maintains its position for five years as the most preferred University in the country, according to Joint Admission and Matriculation Board, while producing 256 first class graduates.

The Vice Chancellor, Prof.

Prof Egbewole said the zeal and the commitment to sustain the higher level of the institution among others would not be compromised as that’s what it means by its appellate name “better by far”.

In his highlighting of the achievement so far, he said the university still rank first as the most preferred University in Nigeria by Jamb records for the following years, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2025, which based on its sustainability of academic excellence, research pursuits, smooth calendar, foreign institutions exchange programmes and partnerships with diverse opportunities available to both staff and the students.

He also disclosed that the University for this 39th Convocation has produced the numbers of 256 First class graduates, 3842 Second Class (Upper Division) graduates, 6,178 Second Class (Lower Division graduates, 1,299 Third Class graduates and 62 Pass degrees respectively.

The Vice Chancellor further, stated that  18 graduates received distinctions in Pharmacy and one achieved a distinction in Physiotherapy while there’s also 124 MB;BS graduands, 64 Nursing graduands, 35 Optometry graduands, 30 Veterinary Medicine graduands, and 18 graduands with Distinction, as well as 85 graduands with Pass in Pharmacy, one distinction and 32 Pass in Physiothera

Prof Egbewole added that there are a total number of 16 Diploma degree holders and the total number of Higher Degrees to be awarded at the 39th convocation ceremonies, as he said 1,875; out of this figure are 92 Postgraduate Diplomas, 1,280 Master’s Degree from various faculties, 179 Professional Masters, one MPhil, and 323 Ph.Ds.

While speaking on the challenges facing the administration of the university he talks on the multiplier effect of the removal of the petroleum subsidy, particularly its implications for prices of goods and services for both staff and students.

The other challenges listed by the Vice Chancellor, includes increases in electricity tariffs, the galloping inflation, and infrastructural needs to meet evolving demands of ivory tower education in a rapidly changing world.

The Vice Chancellor however stated that all these challenges have tested the resolve of the management to be brave and to pay the price through adoption of some strategies to tackle it as they are inevitable.

Egbewole also revealed that a total sum of N1,656,944,930.00bn was allocated to the university as a

TETFund intervention in the year under review. While added that the fund covered 11 areas like physical infrastructure/program upgrade, academic staff training, ICT support with the inclusion sum of N250,000,000.00 for different projects in interventions as well.

The equity market extended its losses on Thursday as the market capitalisation dropped by N127 billion, or 0.21 per cent, from N59.559 trillion to close at N59.432 trillion.

Similarly, the All-Share Index declined by 0.21 per cent, losing 210.2 points to close at 98,081.38, compared to 98,291.

As a result, the year-to-date return decreased to 31.

Profit-taking in Aradel Holdings, Guaranty Trust Holding Company (GTCO), Oando, United Capital and UACN, among other declining stocks, drove the market into negative territory.

However, market breadth remained positive, with 29 gainers and 16 losers.

On the gainers’ table, Gold Breweries led by 10 per cent to close at N3.

Transnational Power gained N29.20 per cent to close at N330.90, Jaiz Bank added 8.64 per cent to close at N2.39, while Transcorp Hotels rose by 7.78 per cent to close at N97 per share.

Conversely, Aradel led the losers’ table  by 10 per cent to close at N694.80,while Regency Alliance Insurance trailed by 8.82 per cent to close at 62k per share.

Daar Communications also went down by 6.78 per cent to close at 55k, UACN dropped 6.70 per cent to close at N20.20, and Oando decreased by 5.82 per cent to close at N76 per share.

Analysis of the market activities showed trade turnover settled lower relative to the previous session, with the value of transactions down 28.74 per cent.

A total of 239.31 million shares valued at N6.41 billion were exchanged in 7,318 deals, compared to 257.55  million shares valued at N9 billion traded by investors in 7,776 deals, recorded in the previous session.

Meanwhile, Sterling Nigeria led the activity table in volume with 42.79 million shares, while Aradel led in value with deals worth N1.04 billion.(NAN)

The Registrar of Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Prof. Is-haq Oloyede, on Wednesday in Ilorin advised African nations to guard against reliance on overseas-developed Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies.

Oloyede gave this advice in his presentation at the University of Ilorin (Unilorin) Lecture Series, titled “Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Humanities”.

The Registrar, who is a former Vice-Chancellor of Unilorin, also cautioned those in the academics who lack adequate knowledge about their subjects against adopting AI.

”Avoid doing this in the quest to seek solution about your subjects. so as not to be mislead,” he said.

Oloyede however allayed the fears that AI would replace humanity, pointing out that the technology has come to stay.

He however maintained that humanity should be in control of AI “if we will save humanity from perdition”.

“African nations need to invest in building their own AI capabilities, so that they will not be entirely dependent on external powers.

“By being part of AI’s global development, they can ensure that they are not exploited or left out of future.

“The African Telecocommunication Unions (ATU), African Union (AU), Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and Smart Africa must lead the charge in developing AI strategies tailored to the continent’s specific needs,” the JAMB Registrar added.

Oloyede observed that these bodies listed should promote policies that encourage the ethical development and use of AI across sectors such as healthcare, agriculture, education and governance.

He advocated that a collaboration between African countries on AI research and data sharing can help mitigate the risk of relying on overseas-developed AI technologies.

Oloyede, who is a professor of Islamic Studies, tasked scholars in the discipline to take up the challenge of generating content for AI.

He said this would help to ensure that its contents conform with fundamental human rights, values and Islamic doctrines and principles.

“In fields like Islamic Studies and Law, AI must be developed with sensitivity to ethical and cultural contexts.

“Universities and scholars should explore how AI can assist in complex tasks like issuing ‘fatwahs’ or navigating legal ethics, while ensuring that AI aligns with fundamental human rights values,” the professor said.
(NAN)