UNILORIN Graduates 16,152 Students, Says 8,320 Completed Employability Skills Programme

The University of Ilorin (UNILORIN), Kwara State, says 8,320 students have completed its U-INSPIRE skills development programme as the institution prepares to graduate 16,152 students at its 41st convocation ceremony.

The figures highlight the university’s efforts to complement academic qualifications with practical skills aimed at improving graduates’ employability and preparing them for the demands of the modern workplace.

Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN, disclosed the figures on Monday, October 19, 2026, during a media briefing ahead of the convocation ceremonies.

He explained that the U-INSPIRE programme was designed to equip students with relevant 21st-century skills alongside their regular academic training. The initiative was developed by the university in collaboration with 10 industry partners to bridge the gap between classroom learning and workplace requirements.

According to the university, 10,545 students enrolled in the programme during the 2025/2026 academic session, while 8,320 completed it, representing approximately 78.8 per cent of those enrolled.

Egbewole encouraged the beneficiaries to apply their newly acquired skills to practical challenges, develop innovative ideas and explore opportunities for entrepreneurship. He also urged them to take advantage of the university’s Innovation Hub to develop promising ideas, protect intellectual property and establish viable businesses.

Meanwhile, the university’s overall graduating figures show that 365 students earned First Class honours among the 11,213 recipients of first degrees. Another 4,367 students graduated with Second Class Upper Division, while 5,102 obtained Second Class Lower Division.

The breakdown also includes 1,006 Third Class graduates and 30 students who obtained Pass degrees. In addition, the university will confer 4,939 higher degrees and diplomas, while 3,511 students are graduating through its Centre for Affiliated Institutions, bringing the total number of graduands to 16,152.

The 41st convocation activities are scheduled to run from October 16 to 25, 2026. The convocation lecture, titled “From Lecture Hall to Cabinet Room: The Journey from Academia to Public Leadership,” will be delivered by Sierra Leone’s Minister of Technical and Higher Education, Dr Haja Ramatulai Wurie.

The university’s emphasis on skills development reflects the growing importance of preparing graduates for a competitive employment market. While academic qualifications remain important, the ability to apply knowledge, solve problems and create opportunities is increasingly essential for graduates entering today’s economy.

For UNILORIN, the impact of the U-INSPIRE programme will ultimately be measured by how effectively its graduates translate their training into employment, innovation, entrepreneurship and meaningful contributions to national development.