The University of Ilorin (UNILORIN) campus will be literally set aglow throughout this week (Monday, October19 – Friday, October 23, 2015) as the institution’s 40th anniversary and 31st Convocation ceremonies get underway.

A city-wide road show heralded the commencement of the celebrations last Thursday (October 15) as students and staff members of the university drove in a procession round Ilorin town in a carnival-like fashion.

Already, the entire campus is wearing a new look for the twin events during which the university will play host to important personalities from within and outside the country. Notable among the dignitaries expected to grace the occasion are President Muhammadu Buhari; the President of Ghana, John Dramani Mahama; the Emir of Katsina, HRH (Dr.) Abdulmumini Kabir Usman, who will be formally installed the Chancellor of the University and conferred with the Honorary Doctor of Law (LL.D)Degree of the University; the immediate past Chancellor, HRH (Dr.) Benjamin Ikenchuku, the Dein of Agbor; Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed of Kwara State, some other state governors who are likely to accompany President Buhari as well as the Emir of Ilorin, HRH Alhaji Ibrahim Zulu Gambari.

A total of 6,710 graduands will be receiving the first and postgraduate degrees as well as Diplomas in various disciplines at this year’s convocation ceremonies. Of these, 5,453 will be getting their first degrees, 89 will receive Diplomas, while 1,225 will get the Postgraduate degrees comprising Masters, Ph.Ds and Postgraduate Diplomas.

About 22 newly completed projects executed by the University Administration will be commissioned on Friday, October 23, 2015 by the Visitor, President Buhari, and President Mahama of Ghana.

The projects include the four-storey Faculty of Arts Complex; the new Senate Building; the Centre for Entrepreneurial Studies Building; the Faculty of Education Lecture Hall; the Faculty of Science Phase IV; the Faculty of Science Phase V; Animal House Building; Department of Optometry and Vision Science Building and the Faculty of Engineering and Technology Workshops.

Others are: the new Faculty of Engineering Lecture Hall; the Faculty of Agriculture Laboratory; the Faculty of Management Sciences Lecture Hall; Access road to the Researchers' Village; Water supply from Main Campus to College of Health Sciences; Electricity supply from Main Campus to College of Health Sciences; Six Sit-out for students; Medical Assessment Centre; Offices for Physical Planning Unit; as well as a number of private hostels.

•Photo shows UNILORIN VC, Prof. Abdulganiyu Ambali.