By Waziri Isa Adam Gwantu
The Committee of Vice-Chancellors of Nigerian Universities, CVCNU, in collaboration with the University of Ilorin, will host the 37th Annual General Assembly Conference from August 17 to 20, 2026, in Ilorin, Kwara State.
The conference, themed _“Building Resilient Universities for Nigeria,”_ will bring together vice-chancellors, government officials, regulators, industry leaders, and labour unions to address governance, funding, technology, and sustainability in Nigerian universities.
According to the programme brochure, participants will arrive on Monday, August 17, with a courtesy visit to the Kwara State Governor and a dinner at the Government House in the evening.
The opening ceremony holds on Tuesday, August 18, at the University of Ilorin Main Auditorium. Welcome address will be delivered by Prof. Andrew Haruna, CVCNU Secretary-General. Prof. Lawrence Ezemonye, CVCNU Chairman and Vice-Chancellor of Igbinedion University, will deliver the opening address. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, is expected to address the assembly.
Emeritus Professor Ishaq O. Oloyede, former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ilorin and former JAMB Registrar, will deliver the keynote on _“Reimagining Nigerian Universities for Resilience: Leadership, Innovation, and Sustainability in a Disruptive Era.”_ Prof. Wahab Egbewole, SAN, Vice-Chancellor of UNILORIN, will give the vote of thanks.
Goodwill messages are expected from the Governor of Kwara State, Honorable Minister of Education, NUC, TETFund, JAMB, EFCC, NYSC, National Assembly, AAU, and other partners.
The plenary theme for Day 1 is _“Governance, Autonomy, and Financial Sustainability: Rethinking University Systems in Nigeria.”_ Sessions will cover diversifying funding beyond government subventions, balancing autonomy with accountability, and strengthening university councils.
A 1st Panel Discussion on _“Leveraging Technology and Partnerships for Innovation and Transformation”_ will feature Prof. Ibrahim Adeyanju, MD, Galaxy Backbone; Prof. Francisca Oladipo, VC, Thomas Adewumi University; and Prof. Adesola Aderounmu, DVC, OAU.
A Special Roundtable/Fireside Chat on _“University-Industry-Government Collaboration: Driving National Competitiveness Through Higher Education”_ will have discussants including Sarah Omotunde Alade, OON, CBN; Abdulrahman Kasim, former Director, Ministry of Finance; Dr. A. A. Badmus, Proprietor, Iqra Group of Schools; and Kenneth Oguzie, MD/CEO, ODS Projects.
On Day 2, Wednesday, August 19, the plenary theme is _“The AI-Ready Nigerian Universities – Leveraging Technology and Partnerships for Innovation and Transformation.”_ It will be chaired by Prof. Agboola Johnson, VC, Olabisi Onabanjo University.
Plenary Session 4, _“The Future of Learning: Embracing EdTech and AI,”_ will be presented by Prof. Lawal Bilbis, former VC, Usman Dan Fodio University, Sokoto.
Other sessions will address stakeholder engagement with NASS and labour unions, with panelists including Sen. Muntari Dandutse, Hon. Abubakar Hassan Fulata, and National Presidents of ASUU, SSANU, NAAT, and NASU. Prof. Chris Piwuna, ASUU President, will speak on mental health among staff and students.
The conference is supported by Platinum Sponsors SOLAP Group and WOWBII, and Gold Sponsors including Distinction by Nestlé, FISL/Zeiss, and Varsityscape.
The assembly will conclude with the presentation of a communique chaired by Prof. Bolanle E. Arokoyo, and presentation of certificates by Prof. Andrew Haruna.
CVCNU said past editions have yielded communiques and recommendations that influence policy and strengthen institutional practice across the sector.