The National Universities Commission (NUC), the regulatory body, has approved the 25 courses presented to it by the new Kogi State University, Kabba, for its takeoff.

This development has paved the way for the commencement of students’ admission into the institution as a precursor to the start of academic activities.

The Obaro of Kabba and Chairman, Okun Area Traditional Council, His Royal Majesty, Oba Solomon Dele Owoniyi, made this known at a special Thanksgiving service held at ECWA Church, Kabba.

Oba Owoniyi said the state governor, Alhaji Yahaya Adoza Bello, informed him that contractors were at work at the university campus to prepare it for the commencement of academic activities.

The governor, according to the traditional ruler, also gave assurance of his administration’s commitment to ensuring the smooth takeoff of the institution before the new government assumes office next month.

Towards that end, he said a special allocation of N200 million per month has been approved for the university, and that disbursement has taken off with immediate effect.

Governor Bello, the monarch said, further gave assurance of his unwavering support for the institution even after the end of his tenure.

He said the establishment of the university was the government’s well-considered answer to the yearnings of the people of Okunland for higher education.

Oba Owoniyi appealed to stakeholders to support the institution to enable it to raise its head among its peers.

He also thanked the Okun people for ensuring that peace reigned in Okunland before, during, and after the recent governorship election in the state.

The University of Ilorin has granted a 25 per cent school fees rebate to children of its staff members.

The rebate was approved by the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Wahab Egbewole, SAN, following a meeting with university-based union leaders on Thursday.

According to a tweet shared via the institution’s handle on X, the rebate seeks to cater to the staff welfare of the school.

The Registrar, Mr. Mansur Alfanla, shared the update in an interview with UNILORIN Bulletin.

The tweet stated that the VC’s decision “reflects a deep understanding of the economic challenges facing the country, and it’s a positive step towards supporting the university community.”

The tweet read in parts: “The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Wahab Egbewole, SAN, has just given a major boost to staff welfare. Following this morning’s meeting with university-based union leaders, a 25% school fees rebate has been approved for the children of University of Ilorin staff.

“To avail of this incredible opportunity, staff members are requested to check their emails and respond to the provided links between 9 a.m. today (Thursday, December 7, 2023) and noon tomorrow (Friday, December 8, 2023).”

The union leaders, including the Chairman, Academic Staff Union of Universities, Alex Akanmu; the Chairman, Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities, Naheem Falowo; the Chairman, National Association of Academic Technologists, Paul Awolola; and Chairman, Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions, UNILORIN Branch, Suberu Ibrahim; were instrumental in the decision-making process during the early morning meeting that began at 7:30 a.m.

The tweet further noted that the rebate applies to “officially registered biological children” which covers both freshers and returning students.”

It added that a maximum of four children of staff are eligible for the rebate.

Reacting to the development on behalf of other unions, Akanmu, recognised and commended the VC and the “entire management for this positive move”.

Authorities of the University of Ilorin announced on Monday a downward review of charges payable by students for the 2022–2023 academic session as academic activities resumed.

The announcement of the new charges followed a series of meetings between the university’s management, led by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Prof. Abayomi Omotesho, and the Students’ Union, led by its president, Comrade Joseph Adesunkanmi Ologundudu.

The new charges range between N114,720 and N215,820 for new students and N52,700 and N91,430 for returning students, depending on their courses of study.

This reflects a significant reduction from the earlier released charges, which ranged between N138,240 and N254,640 for new students and N69,360 and N103,560 for returning students, depending on their courses of study.

The university had initially released charges on November 24, 2023, through its official social media platforms but announced a downward review on November 28, 2023, after the meeting with the students’ union leadership.

It quoted the deputy vice chancellor as saying that the university addressed the students’ concerns through dialogue to demonstrate its commitment to fostering a supportive and conducive learning environment for all members of the academic community.

In his reaction, the president of the students’ union, Comrade Ologundudu, expressed gratitude to the university management for its thoughtfulness, as reflected in the adjustment of the charges