Prof Abdul-Ganiyu Ambali, OON, Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin (UNILORIN), recently had an interaction with a select audience of journalists, towards the university’s 40^th Anniversary and 31^st Convocation scheduled for October 19 – 21, when most of the housing projects will be commissioned. Associate Editor THERESA MOSES was there. Excerpt

Question: What makes UNIILORIN thick?

Prof. Ambali: No doubt UNIILORIN is university of first choice and campus of harmony. But our undisrupted academic calendar stands us out. It’s only in UNIILORIN that union leaders are constructive and management co-operative. I am for everybody and everybody’s welfare is my priority. I share their moments, and open to all. The things that will make you have issues with academic union is when sensitive issues such as dirty class-rooms, environment are not taken care of; and students are not allowed to air their voice or dreams. Even if we don’t meet every of their demand, we let them suggest solutions and how to go about it. And they are carried along.

Why did you allow 65,000 candidates to write post-UME when less 10,000 of them will be picked?

We want to get the best out of the good. If you are computer literate, you have an edge over others too.

How have you been able to tackle the problem of accommodation for students?

Accommodation has been a major issue. But since I took over two years ago it’s one of my top priority, and we are working on it. By October 2015 some hostels will be completed. We have four to five entrepreneurs who are helping in resolving that issue. Also, some entrepreneurs abroad want to partner in building hostels as well. In no time accommodation will not be a problem.

What are projects set for UNIILORIN in the next 40 years?

We just set up a renewable energy set to address energy need in our country, in terms of what PHCN (DISCO) is able to do; and its more environment-friendly, less pollution. Secondly, is L to P: that is, laboratory to product-centre, with the hope of translating all research findings to products used by everybody, aimed at making financial sustenance and hope of making everybody around more comfortable, and much easier to look at.

What is your immediate challenge?

We need more money to execute few projects such as self-sell laboratory. Last week we sent three of our staff to the USA for more skill acquisition. By the time they are back, they should be able to demonstrate what they have been thought and that will be realised when material are on ground for them or else it becomes a waste.

•Photo shows Prof. Ambali.

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