The Pro-Chancellor and chairman of the University of Ilorin (UNILORIN) governing body, Surveyor Abiodun Jacob Aluko, on Thursday, revealed reason behind the recent upward ranking of the school from 35 to fifth was as a result of aggressive investment in research and academic brilliance.

Aluko, who disclosed this at the Day II of the varsity’s 41st Convocation ceremonies, said it was as a result of major aggressive investment in research.

According to him, the recent United States (U.S.) News and World Report Best Global Universities Rankings 2026–2027, moved UNILORIN from last year 37th position to 5th in Nigeria.

“Also, the SCImago Institutions Rankings 2026 ranked the University 1st in Nigeria and 18th in Africa for Aquaculture, alongside other remarkable improvements in our ranking records.

“This giant leap is not by luck. It is the result of deliberate focus on research output, academic visibility, citations, and the quality of our staff and students,” he said.

He, however, boasted that: “this is not surprising. Unilorin is a leadership factory.”

Aluko expressed great genuine hope in the capability and marketability of the UNILORIN graduates, saying: “when you train people in excellence and integrity, the world comes looking for them.”

He added that the school’s Golden Jubilee was not just about age; “it was a celebration of our values: integrity, discipline, excellence, and an unbroken academic calendar for over two decades. I thank all our past leaders, staff, students and friends who contributed in building this legacy.”

Aluko was excited by the sustained intervention of TETFund in infrastructure and research, as well as the historic Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), which he said brought relief to the students.

Meanwhile, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, whose this year convocation address was titled: “what next,” advised the 16,152 graduating students pursue their future endeavours with humility, comperssionate.

He urged them to: “seek success, but remain principled; embrace opportunities, but never compromise your values.”

UNILORIN graduates 16,152 students in its 2025/2026 academic session with 365 first class, 4,367 Second-Class Honours in upper divisions.

Others are: 5,102 Second-Class in lower division. 19 in Medicine and Surgery (MBBS), 89 in Nursing, 73 in pharmacy, 41 in optometry, 89 in Physiotherapy and 32 in veterinary medicine.

Also, were the 4,939 receiving Higher Degrees and Diolomas, including 251 newly minted Doctor of Philosophy (PhD).