7 Unforgettable Moments University of Ilorin Graduates Can’t Forget

Nigerian universities are known for producing graduates with a wealth of knowledge and a trove of wild stories. For many, the memories forged on campus are as unforgettable as the degrees earned. We spoke to seven University of Ilorin (Unilorin) alumni who shared the most unbelievable moments from their time at the institution — and they are certainly glad to have come out on the other side.

A Lecturer's Error That Failed an Entire Class

Precious*, a 20-year-old Law graduate, recalls a frustrating incident during her 200-level year. A lecturer openly admitted to failing the entire class because she could not locate their test scripts. Instead of organizing a resit, she decided to add five marks to everyone’s scores out of pity.

For Precious, this was an early taste of the challenges that would define her undergraduate experience. She notes that while students can go on to earn first-class honours in law school, the undergraduate programme often feels like an uphill battle. She adds that the faculty’s actions explain why recent alumni want little to do with the institution. Her only wish now is to graduate in peace and never look back.

Locked Indoors During a Cult Clash

Wemimo*, 53, takes us back to early 1997. Living in an estate on campus, he was outside chatting with neighbours one evening when a large crowd rushed through the gates, warning that a cult group was heading to fight another nearby. Before they could react, the fight had moved into their estate.

They ran indoors, locked the doors, and spent the night listening to the terrifying sounds of the clash. The police arrived the next morning and arrested some of the cultists. A few weeks later, they heard the culprits had been expelled.

A Dean's Shocking Slap

Janet*, 33, who completed both her first degree and master’s at Unilorin, has seen many strange things. But one incident stands out. While on the walkway where students often gathered between lectures, a faculty dean approached a student and demanded, “Why is your ID card not on your neck?” The student did not have it on him.

Before anyone could process the situation, the dean slapped him. The slap was swift and resounding, silencing the entire area. No one said a word; they just stood in shock. Janet describes this as part of a typical day at Unilorin.

The Struggle to Retrieve a Friend's ID Card

Emmanuella*, 25, found dealing with non-academic staff at Unilorin to be a frustrating experience. After losing her ID card, getting a replacement proved harrowing. A friend accompanied her to the Student Affairs Office, where a staff member seized the friend’s ID card without explanation. They had to beg to get it back.

Emmanuella recalls leaving the office thinking, “What kind of wahala is this?”

A Bee Swarm Sends Students Running

Bimbo*, 52, remembers an unusual event shortly after Unilorin moved some students to its permanent site in 1998. Returning from class one evening, they found the new hostels covered in bees. The sheer number of bees led some students to suspect a spiritual attack.

Fortunately, the incident occurred early enough in the evening for most to escape back to the mini campus before being stung. However, not everyone was lucky. One of Bimbo’s friends was stung more than five times and required hospitalization.

Missing Scripts and a Damaged GPA

Ibrahim*, 25, shares a tale of academic negligence. During a 300-level exam, he used an extra booklet and filled nearly two pages in it. He did not realize anything was wrong until results were released. His score was far lower than expected, prompting him to investigate. He discovered that his second booklet had never been found.

The school offered no solution, and his GPA suffered. What made it worse was that this was not an isolated case. Ibrahim heard of lecturers losing test scripts and assignments, with students too afraid to complain for fear of repercussions. He remained frustrated for the rest of his time at the school.

Hiding in the Bushes to Escape Security

Samuel*, 33, lived in constant fear of suspension or expulsion. At Unilorin, flouting rules could result in “wearing gown,” meaning being sent home. Having already been expelled from another school, he was determined to avoid trouble.

One evening, while on a walk, he encountered a security guard who demanded he follow him for having untidy hair. Samuel did not argue; he ran and hid in the bushes until the guard left. He then returned to his hostel, borrowed a friend’s clipper, and shaved his hair.