Introduction: A Proud Moment for Unilorin
The University of Ilorin (popularly known as Unilorin) is once again basking in the national spotlight — not because of academic achievements alone, but due to the outstanding recognition of four of its alumni by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. These distinguished individuals have been appointed to critical leadership roles across major federal institutions, reinforcing the university’s legacy of producing leaders who shape Nigeria’s destiny.You know about theglobespot, openrendz and Unilorin alumni appointments 2025 also Buzzfeed.
The appointments include Babs Omotowa (NNPC board member), Dr. Kayode Opeifa (Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation), Kemi Nanna Nandap (Comptroller General of Immigration), and Roland Ewubare (Group Chief Operating Officer, NNPC). This unprecedented cluster of appointments from one university has ignited pride among Unilorin graduates across the globe.
In a joint statement, the Unilorin Alumni Association expressed deep appreciation to President Tinubu, describing the gesture as not only a vote of confidence in the appointees but also in the university’s enduring commitment to excellence, discipline, and service.
Let’s take a closer look at each appointee, their background, what this means for Nigeria, and why this moment is so significant for the University of Ilorin and its growing alumni community.
1. Babs Omotowa: Bringing Global Energy Expertise to NNPC
Babs Omotowa is no stranger to the energy sector — in fact, he’s one of the most respected names in the Nigerian oil and gas industry. A graduate of Unilorin, Omotowa has decades of experience, including his notable tenure as the Managing Director and CEO of Nigeria LNG, one of Africa’s most successful gas companies.You know about Unilorin alumni appointments 2025
Before this appointment to the board of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC), Omotowa also served as Vice President of Shell Global and Chairman of the World LNG Summit. He brings a unique blend of international experience and deep knowledge of Nigeria’s energy landscape.
His presence on the NNPC board is seen as a game-changing move, particularly as Nigeria navigates the energy transition, oil theft challenges, and pushes for increased gas commercialization.
“Babs is a technocrat with a track record of transparency and operational excellence. His appointment gives us hope for greater accountability and performance at NNPC,” said Dr. Fasakin, National President of the Unilorin Alumni Association.
2. Dr. Kayode Opeifa: Steering Nigeria’s Railway Revolution
Dr. Kayode Opeifa, another proud Unilorin alumnus, has been appointed the Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), a position critical to Nigeria’s transportation transformation.
With years of experience as the former Lagos State Commissioner for Transportation and a former Executive Secretary of the National Transport Commission, Dr. Opeifa brings proven leadership in traffic decongestion, urban mobility planning, and intermodal transportation systems.You know about Unilorin alumni appointments 2025
He played a vital role in reshaping Lagos traffic strategy and has long been an advocate for rail development in Nigeria — a voice many believe is now well-positioned to act.
With massive railway projects underway, including the Lagos-Kano Standard Gauge and others connecting Nigeria’s hinterlands, Opeifa’s appointment signals a renewed focus on infrastructure development, economic integration, and national cohesion.
“Opeifa is not just a bureaucrat; he’s an innovator. He understands what modern rail systems require — not just trains, but logistics, ticketing, safety, and maintenance,” noted transport analyst Tolu Oseni.
3. Kemi Nanna Nandap: Redefining Immigration Leadership
Kemi Nanna Nandap’s rise to become the Comptroller General of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) is both historic and strategic. A career immigration officer who joined the service in 1989, Nandap brings decades of institutional experience and reform-minded leadership to the agency.
A Unilorin graduate, Nandap has led modernization efforts across the immigration spectrum, from passport processing reforms to border surveillance. Her appointment — now extended until December 2026 — comes at a time when national security, identity management, and border control are more important than ever.
Under her leadership, the NIS is expected to expand the e-passport initiative, introduce digital migration monitoring, and strengthen Nigeria’s cross-border collaborations with neighboring nations.
“It’s time to move from manual paperwork to fully digitized immigration processes. We have the technology, and Nandap has the vision,” said Dr. Abiola Saka, an expert in migration policy and security.
4. Roland Ewubare: Elevating Performance at NNPC
Last but certainly not least, Roland Ewubare joins the leadership of the NNPC as Group Chief Operating Officer (COO), a role that commands influence over one of the most complex sectors of Nigeria’s economy.
Another Unilorin alumnus, Ewubare previously served as the Group General Manager for the National Petroleum Investment Management Services (NAPIMS) and has deep experience in upstream petroleum operations. His resume reflects a solid understanding of both the commercial and technical sides of oil and gas operations.
As Nigeria looks to attract foreign investment and increase oil production, Ewubare’s role will be critical in overseeing exploration and production, pipeline integrity, and project financing.
“Roland Ewubare is a known performer. He has a laser focus on results and transparency — qualities the NNPC needs to become a true commercial enterprise,” stated energy journalist Aminu Garba.
5. Why These Appointments Matter: Beyond Titles
While these appointments are notable for the individuals involved, their symbolic value for Unilorin and Nigeria at large is even more powerful.
a. Elevating the Unilorin Brand
Unilorin has long been respected for its academic integrity and zero-strike policy, which allowed students to graduate on time even during the most turbulent periods in Nigeria’s educational history. These appointments affirm that the school’s emphasis on discipline, innovation, and service has not gone unnoticed.
“We are a product of consistency, quality, and vision. These appointments are not just about individuals, they are about what Unilorin represents,” said Yeye Bolanle Olatunde, National Publicity Secretary of the Alumni Association.
b. Inspiring the Next Generation
For current students and young graduates, seeing alumni take on such prestigious roles sends a powerful message: greatness is within reach, no matter your background.
c. Trust in Technocrats
Amid rising public demand for competence over politics, these appointments reflect a tilt toward technocratic leadership. All four appointees have significant professional achievements, and none are known primarily for political affiliations.
6. Alumni Association Reacts with Joy and Responsibility
In a passionate press release, the Unilorin Alumni Association commended President Tinubu for the thoughtful recognition of its members. Dr. Stephen Fasakin and Yeye Bolanle Olatunde emphasized the importance of the appointments, noting that the alumni community sees this as both a celebration and a call to action.
“We are not just celebrating — we are also pledging our support to the administration and to our members. We will ensure that our alumni in public service remain accountable, focused, and impact-driven,” the statement read.
The Association also announced plans to host a National Alumni Leadership Forum later this year, where Unilorin alumni in leadership across sectors will gather to discuss strategies for national development and intergenerational mentorship.
7. The Bigger Picture: Unilorin’s Growing Influence
With over 350,000 graduates spread across Nigeria and abroad, Unilorin’s alumni network is one of the largest and most active in the country. Graduates of the university can be found in every sector — from law and medicine to engineering, business, and civil service.
In recent years, the university has also gained global recognition in academic rankings, while its students have set world records in fields such as mathematics, innovation, and social entrepreneurship.
“This is just the beginning. We expect more of our alumni to rise to national prominence, and we’re creating a platform to prepare them,” said the National Alumni Secretary.
Conclusion: Leadership Rooted in Legacy
President Tinubu’s appointment of four Unilorin graduates to key national roles in 2025 is more than just a political decision — it’s a testament to the enduring value of academic excellence, merit-based leadership, and institutional credibility.
For the University of Ilorin, it marks another milestone in its journey as a beacon of hope, learning, and nation-building. For the appointees, it’s a call to deliver on the promise of good governance. And for the youth watching across Nigeria, it’s proof that hard work, education, and integrity still matter.
As these alumni step into their new roles, the spotlight is on them — not just to succeed, but to lead with the same values that Unilorin stands for: excellence, service, and unity.
