The University of Ilorin (Unilorin) has strongly admonished Dr. Wale Fasakin, the former President of its Alumni Association, to stop referring to himself as the president of the association. This call for action comes after Fasakin allegedly continued to present himself as the leader of the Unilorin Alumni Association, despite the end of his tenure in 2021.
In a stern statement, Alhaji Abdulganiyu Kunle Akogun, the Director of Corporate Affairs at Unilorin, categorically rejected Fasakin’s self-styled leadership and urged the public to disregard his claim. Akogun reminded both the public and stakeholders of the fact that Fasakin’s term concluded with the resolution of the Association’s Congress in 2021, after which a new executive committee led by Professor Abdulrazaq Olubusuyi Kilani assumed office.
Akogun’s remarks, issued to newsmen in Ilorin, came in the wake of a recent controversial event in which Fasakin allegedly led a delegation claiming to represent the National Executive Committee of the Unilorin Alumni Association. This delegation visited Mrs. Kemi Nandap, an alumna of the university and the current Comptroller General of the Nigerian Immigration Service, a move that raised eyebrows within the university community.
Fasakin’s Continued Misrepresentation
In an effort to put an end to the misrepresentation, Akogun stressed that Dr. Fasakin’s tenure ended in 2021, emphasizing that the leadership of the Alumni Association had undergone significant changes. “The tenure of Dr. Fasakin concluded through a resolution passed by the Association’s Congress. Afterward, a Caretaker Committee was put in place to manage the association’s affairs until the new executive committee, led by Prof. Kilani, was elected in August 2024,” Akogun stated.
He expressed concerns over the growing tension within the Alumni Association due to Fasakin’s actions, which have allegedly undermined the unity and smooth functioning of the association. “While the university management refrains from interfering in the internal matters of the Alumni Association, we cannot allow Dr. Fasakin to persist in causing division and confusion,” Akogun added.
Akogun also clarified that the university holds the Alumni Association in high regard for its potential to support and contribute to the institution’s development. However, he stressed that the university’s primary concern is to ensure peace and harmony within the association. “We continue to value the Alumni Association’s role and will seek to maintain unity, but the actions of some individuals, including Dr. Fasakin, cannot be allowed to destabilize what should be a unified force for good,” he remarked.
University Management’s Call to Action
In a direct plea to the public, Akogun urged various stakeholders—corporate organizations, government agencies, and well-meaning individuals—to cease engaging with Dr. Fasakin in his self-appointed capacity as the president. “We ask all stakeholders to stop recognizing or transacting business with Dr. Fasakin, as he is no longer an official of the Alumni Association,” Akogun asserted. He further clarified that, with the new executive committee now in place, Fasakin no longer holds any position within the association.
The university’s firm stance follows growing concerns that Fasakin’s actions are damaging the Alumni Association’s reputation and creating unnecessary divisions. His continued portrayal as the leader of the association has raised alarms, particularly in light of the official transition of leadership.
Alumni Reaction and Growing Discontent
The ongoing leadership controversy has left many alumni members questioning the integrity and stability of their association. Some former members of the Alumni Association expressed frustration over the situation, calling for clearer communication and stronger governance to avoid further disruptions.
“It is unfortunate that we are witnessing this kind of behavior from a former leader who should know better,” said one alumni member, who wished to remain anonymous. “It is time to put an end to this confusion and allow the new leadership to function properly.”
Others have expressed support for the new leadership under Professor Kilani, acknowledging the positive steps taken by the newly elected executive committee. “We need to focus on moving forward, not backward,” another alumni member said. “The leadership under Prof. Kilani has shown great potential, and we hope this situation with Fasakin will be resolved swiftly.”
A University Seeking Resolution
While the university has made it clear that it wishes to stay out of internal matters of the Alumni Association, its intervention comes as part of a broader effort to ensure that the association’s activities do not negatively impact the reputation of Unilorin itself. The university has maintained that its focus is on fostering unity within the alumni community and ensuring that the association’s actions align with the institution’s values.
“We recognize the immense potential of the Alumni Association to contribute to the growth of the university. However, for this to happen, we must ensure that leadership is in the right hands and that internal conflicts are put to rest,” Akogun concluded.
The Unilorin Alumni Association, once a solid pillar of support for the university, is now faced with the challenge of overcoming this leadership crisis. Whether or not Fasakin will heed the call to stop his misrepresentation remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the university’s management is determined to preserve peace and prevent further disarray within the alumni body.
As the situation continues to unfold, alumni and stakeholders alike are watching closely, hoping for a swift resolution that will allow the association to move forward in unity.
