In a significant development for the academic community, the University of Ilorin is preparing to welcome new students for the 2024/2025 academic session starting in October.
This announcement was made by the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic), Prof. Olubunmi Abayomi Omotesho, during an interview with UNILORIN Bulletin.
The upcoming cohort will comprise students from both the 2023/2024 session and those who participated in the recently concluded Post-UTME exercise for the new academic year.
This strategic merger is a response to the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and the prolonged strike by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), which collectively pushed the university off its traditional academic timeline.
Prof. Omotesho emphasized that the proposed resumption date of October is still subject to review by the Committee of Provosts and Deans before being submitted to the Senate for final approval. Once sanctioned, the official resumption date will be publicly announced.
The Deputy Vice Chancellor elaborated on the rationale behind merging the two sets of applicants, stating that previous attempts to run concurrent academic sessions had been hindered by logistical challenges. “The Administration had initially proposed merging two academic sessions to address the backlog,” he explained. However, the 13th Council’s suggestion to run sessions concurrently proved impractical.
After thorough consultations, the university management has opted to officially cancel the 2023/2024 session, opting instead for a merger that allows for a streamlined academic calendar. This decision aims to restore the traditional cycle where academic sessions commence in October and conclude in July, thereby alleviating the ongoing delays that have plagued the institution.