The Vice-Chancellor and Chief Administrator of Kwara State University, Professor Muhammed Mustapha Akanbi SAN on Tuesday, September 1st disclosed his plan to make the state-owned institution a repository of Ilorin cultural heritage through its Centre for Ilorin Manuscript and Culture; and the Centre for Archives and Documentation.
Professor Akanbi made this announcement at the Emir’s Palace, in Ilorin, when he led the top hierarchy of the institution on a courtesy visit to Emir of Ilorin, HRH Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu Gambari.
According to him, “KWASU is ready to be the official historian of prominent people in the Ilorin Emirate. We can document their achievements, milestones and contributions to humanity. We believe people can come to KWASU to study Ilorin culture and tradition via the Centre for Ilorin Manuscript and Culture and the Centre for Archives and Documentation.
“Ilorin has lost prominent people in the past, to the cold hands of death, and most of this people’s lives are not documented. We need to have archives available for research, so that people can access information on the lives of these people”
Professor Akanbi solicited the support of the Emir to achieve this feat. He noted that Ilorin is rich in culture and believes with the Proper guidance and support, the institution will be able to carry out detailed documentation of the lives of prominent people in Ilorin emirate.
The Vice-Chancellor also expressed his desire to strengthen the relationship between KWASU and the Palace, especially in the area of community development. He described his visit to the Emir as “home coming”, stressing that he has come to inform HRH of his appointment as the second substantive Vice Chancellor of KWASU and to seek his Royal blessings.
Responding, HRH, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu Gambari described the appointment of Professor Akanbi as a step in the right direction for KWASU, stressing his readiness to support Professor Akanbi through provision of necessary advice and prayers that will inspire growth and development in the Institution.