KWASU Unveils Milestones, Raises Alarm on Road Safety as 13th Convocation Nears
Kwara State University (KWASU), Malete, has announced major academic and infrastructural strides ahead of its 13th Convocation Ceremony, even as the institution appealed for urgent government intervention on key road and accommodation challenges affecting its fast-growing community.
Speaking during a press briefing at the Muhammadu Buhari Main Library, Vice-Chancellor Professor Shaykh-Luqman Alade Jimoh said the convocation week remains a significant period for the university because “our connection to communities and our mission to improve society translate into real-time impact on ordinary Kwarans and Nigerians.”
This year, the university will graduate 8,119 students, including 82 First Class degree holders and 75 new PhD recipients. According to the VC, the figures reflect “consistent academic growth and the readiness of KWASU graduates to contribute meaningfully to national development.”
Professor Jimoh highlighted the successful take-off of the Osi and Ilesha-Baruba campuses, describing it as “a dream fulfilled through the unwavering support of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq.”
He praised host communities for embracing staff and students, adding that the move has boosted socio-economic activities across the state.
“We will do all in our power to sustain the cordial relationship with all our host communities,” he assured.
The VC also celebrated major breakthroughs in the university’s research profile. Scholars from engineering and agriculture won competitive grants exceeding N35 million locally and over $100,000 internationally. Additionally, KWASU students secured 44 research grants of N100,000 each during the Undergraduate Research Day.
“Our growing culture of research excellence is producing innovations that directly benefit society,” he stated, disclosing that KWASU engineers have fabricated a prototype electric vehicle built completely from scratch.
On infrastructure, Professor Jimoh announced the approval of a N1 billion TETFund intervention for the completion of the Library Annex, along with new smart classrooms in all faculties and ongoing projects such as the CBN-sponsored Central Laboratory and the Experience Centre donated by the First Lady’s office.
He added that a Public-Private Partnership has already delivered a new 600-bed hostel in Malete.
However, the VC expressed deep concern over the dangerous Shao–Malete road crossing, noting that reckless driving on the expressway has become a threat to lives.
“This constitutes a major hazard for all users of that road,” he warned, urging the state government to help facilitate a flyover for safe passage.
He also appealed for more on-campus accommodation and enhanced security infrastructure in and around Malete, acknowledging the support of security agencies and Moro Local Government in addressing past robbery incidents.
“Peace has returned to Malete, but we need more security posts and additional hostels to properly safeguard our students,” he said.
Highlighting the university’s community service efforts, the VC noted that over 100 intervention projects were carried out across several LGAs, while four Centres for Women Development have trained and empowered 125 rural women with vocational skills, equipment, and digital tools.
Professor Jimoh reaffirmed KWASU’s commitment to staff welfare, citing ongoing rebates, disability support, hazard allowance, and timely promotions as measures that have strengthened industrial harmony on campus.
As the institution prepares for the convocation lecture to be delivered by Emeritus Professor Peter Okebukola on “Universities in the Age of Quantum Thinking,” the VC thanked the media for their continued partnership.
“We cherish this relationship and look forward to sustaining it for the progress of our university and society,” he concluded.
