Stephen Olufemi Oni, Ilorin
As the Nigerian Tribune newspaper marked the 75th anniversary of its establishment, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Professor Wahab Olasupo Egbewole (SAN), has lauded the glowing contributions of the frontline newspaper to national and human development.
In a statement issued by the University Director of Corporate Affairs, Mr. Kunle Akogun, the Vice Chancellor said the newspaper has been a blessing to Nigeria and humanity since it first hit the streets on November 16, 1949.
Professor Egbewole paid glowing tributes to the founder of the newspaper, the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo, and those who supported his progressive vision, which culminated in the conception of such a resilient, exciting and enduring media outfit.
He also commended the past and present generations of staff of the newspaper and its sister publications for sustaining the tradition of hard work and professionalism despite several challenges.
Professor Egbewole, who is also the Secretary-General of the Association of West African Universities (AWAU), said the newspaper has not only contributed to the socio-political development of Nigeria but has also impacted positively on its economic development.
The renowned Professor of Jurisprudence and International Law praised the newspaper for being an oven of outstanding leaders in politics, journalism, and business, saying that its contributions would continue to remain exciting to chroniclers of Nigeria’s contemporary history.
Professor Egbewole described the newspaper, which is the oldest surviving privately-owned newspaper outfit in Nigeria, as a great friend of the University.
The Vice Chancellor specifically thanked the newspaper for the support its support for the University since its establishment in 1975, saying that the University has benefited from its quality reportage of its activities.
He added that the newspaper has not only assisted in providing training grounds for many of its undergraduates in relevant disciplines who did one industrial attachment programme or the other at the newspaper house but it has also provided employment opportunities for many of its graduates.
While thanking the newspaper for its previous support, the Vice Chancellor expressed the hope that the Nigerian Tribune would continue to support the University in its efforts to becoming the nation’s best, one of the best ten in Africa and among the leading 500 universities in the world.
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