Restless, Resourceful, Suave ANTHONY ‘BOLA ADELAJA is President, Unilorin Alumni UK and Republic of Ireland. He is also Chief Administrator, Unilorin Catch-up, a trending, socio-collective arm of the Unilorin Alumni.
In this communication piece made available to FirstNigeriaTV, he shares his views on the lingering crisis within the ranks of the Unilorin Alumni Executive, the 50th anniversary of the birth of the institution, on-going and proposed projects and other issues:
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AGENDA ITEMS ON PROJECTS & STATE OF THE NATIONAL ALUMNI
On 14th October 2025,
Professor Adegboyega Fawole (Deputy VC) sent me an invitation to participate in the university’s 50th anniversary celebration as an alumni chapter.
We had an extensive meeting on 19th October 2025 to discuss:
- the invitation to participate in the 50th anniversary events
- possibility of undertaking projects in the University
- the forthcoming 50th anniversary
- vocational studies
- meeting with the VC
I was then invited to attend a Unilorin symposium on 8th November at Sheraton Lagos
The said symposium was hosted by the Unilorin Alumni association group “recognised by the University”
This was an invitation to be part of the conversation around harmonising Alumni activities and promoting the development of Unilorin
I travelled to Lagos for the event and as a guest speaker, I echoed the need for unity rather than division and divisive projections. I also focused on the core message that until there is cohesion at the centre of the Alumni Association and matters are amicably resolved between the two Alumni groups (Prof. Kilani’s and Dr. Fasakins Alumni NEC), the mandate from our members of the Unilorin Alumni UK & Eire is to abstain from all participation at the national level
I reiterated my message encouraging unity not just amongst the ranks but promoted by the University
(Also set out in the my article inside the BLACK HERITAGE publication celebrating Unilorin at 50 – see page 43 of that publication)
I had a brief meeting with Prof Kilani and we agreed to progress talks about finding solutions to the political tensions
I had discussions with Prof Abdulwahab Egbewole (VC)’s people and the VC agreed to bring all warring alumni parties to a round table discussion as per my pleadings
The VC’s office also acknowledged the good works of Unilorin Alumni UK & Eire in sponsoring 80 students over a 4 year period to undertake vocational training
I commend
The university also agreed to partner with us by creating a curriculum to include vocational training for students (akin to our own partnership with The Craftmasters)
Further to the discussions on harmonising the alumni groups
Prof Egbewole convened a summit meeting on 13th March 2026 with Dr. Fasakin and Prof Kilani’s factions and their legal representatives to find a resolution that will end all litigation and ensure that there is only one Alumni association
The meeting ended with an agreement that all parties with put forward their preferred terms of resolution to end the conflict by April 2026
We are synchronising the Alumni family
Gratitude to Prof. Gboyega Fawole and Prof Abdulwahab Egbewole for their massive effort in harmonising the Global alumni family
The UK and Ireland alumni family will be part of any conversation to create unity and promote the Better By Far values of our alma mater..
We will however remain neutral on the political situations mentioned above.
Yours sincerely,
Anthony Adebola ADELAJA
President Unilorin Alumni UK & the Republic of Ireland
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