Ilorin, July 10, 2025 (NAN) A total number of 20 Students, graduated from the Michael Imoudu National Institute for Labour Studies (MINILS) in Ilorin on Wednesday at the maiden convocation degree awarding ceremony of the Institute.
The institute, which is affiliated to the University of Ilorin awarded Bachelors of Science Degree in Industrial Relations and Personnel Management.
Speaking at the Convocation, Issa Aremu, the Director-General (D-G) of the institute, said that the students had undergone rigorous mentorship and learning process.
He said the relevance of labour studies could not be overlooked, adding that they had acquired the required ethics of the study and enjoined the graduands to imbibe integrity and honesty at all times.
He commended the University of Ilorin for the collaboration with MINILS, while calling for more partnership for the benefit for the students of the institute.
Prof. Wahab Egbewole, (SAN), the Vice Chancellor of the University of the University of Ilorin, described the graduation as a feat, an accomplishment and an achievement.
Egbewole, who was represented by Prof. Yahya Imam, the Director of the Centre for Affiliated Institutions of the University, said that out that “knowledge is life”.
“It is our expectations that you will carry this knowledge with you all over the world, contribute and impact the world positively,” he said.
Egbewole enjoined the graduands to be innovative and use their knowledge acquired in overcoming challenges.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Coordinator of Academic Programme, MINILS, Dr. Sylvanus Adamade said that 20 out of the 33 pioneer students were graduating.
“According to the approved results of the Senate of the University of Ilorin, 10 of the graduating first set of students were awarded Second Class Upper Division Grade, while 10 had Second Class Lower Division Grade.
“All 20 graduated students were successfully enrolled for the mandatory National Youths Service Corps exercise for year 2025,” he said.
Adamade pointed out that the Institute’s academic programme journey is continuing to higher reaches.
He said the aim of the programme is to support efforts to stem labour migration from Nigeria in particular and Africa at large.
According to him, the new programme will have far-reaching impacts of professionalising career guidance and counselling as an active labour market intervention.
Orodiran Bola, the Kwara State Controller, Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, advised the graduands to see the success not as personal achievement but to use it to contribute to the growth of Nigeria society.
Bola, who represented Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, the Minister of State for Labour and Employment, said that challenges are inevitable in life but urged the graduands to develop resilience attitude to surmount it.
In their separate reactions, the two graduands with the highest scores, Miss Funmilayo Aina and Sidiqat Ahmed attributed their success to the commitment of the Lecturers and the Management of MINILS.
The maiden ceremony was attended by labour leaders, stakeholders in industrial and labour relations and the immediate past DG of the institute, Alhaji lsiaq Alabi, among others.
