By Bashir Dawodu
The outgoing Dean of the Faculty of Education, University of Ilorin, Prof. Lasiele Alabi Yahaya, has urged the graduating students of the Faculty and the University at large to exemplify good Islamic morals wherever they find themselves.
Prof. Yahaya made this charge last Monday ( July 14, 2025) during the send-forth ceremony organised for the graduating Muslim students of the Faculty and the inauguration of the new Executive Committee of the Muslim community of the Faculty at the UNILORIN Multipurpose Hall.
The Dean highlighted the significance of good character in a Muslim, stating that it helps in achieving one’s dreams through prayers and ensures success in the hereafter.
He stressed the importance of practising Islam as a way of life and encouraged the students to marry practising Muslims to raise their children according to Islamic principles.
The Dean also expressed appreciation to the Federal Government for the introduction of NELFund, a scheme that supports students financially and helps them remain in school. He urged the students to take full advantage of this opportunity.
In his welcome address, the Chairman of the UNILORIN Muslim Community, Prof. Mudathir Olalere Yusuf, congratulated the outgoing students for successfully completing their respective courses of study as he reminded them of the need to be thankful to Almighty Allah for His blessings.
Prof. Yusuf advised students to hold firmly to their religion, acknowledging the challenges ahead but reassuring them that with prayers, all difficulties can be overcome.
He urged the students to focus on their studies and maintain a prayerful attitude, emphasising that there is nothing prayers cannot achieve.
In his lecture, the Deputy Chief Imam of the University of Ilorin Central Mosque, Dr Musa Sidiq, who spoke on the topic: “Halal Hustle: Pursuing Lawful Wealth Without Compromising Faith and Character,” encouraged the outgoing Muslim students to engage in honest work to avoid earning through unlawful means.
“Life is short, and we will be held accountable for how we earned and spent our wealth,” he warned.
Dr Musa, who is a Senior Lecturer at the Department of Arts Education, further charged the students to protect their country, states, and family names wherever they go. “Whatever is yours will not miss you; whatever misses you, it is not yours,” he stated.
Also speaking, the Managing Director and Founder of Data-Up Nigeria Solutions and Co-founder of Xendify Technology Solutions Limited, Mr Yasir Folaranmi Yusuf, who spoke on the topic: ‘‘Navigating the future in the waves of ICT; emphasised the growing importance of digital skills in today’s job market.
He said, “Artificial Intelligence is changing the world. If you don’t evolve, you’ll be left behind.”
Mr Yusuf urged the students to learn in-demand tech skills such as AI engineering, data science, and blockchain development, and to collaborate with like-minded individuals to solve emerging problems.
He also emphasised the values of consistency, discipline, and resilience, sharing how he began his tech journey during his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) year.
In her goodwill message, Prof. A.T. Alabi thanked all participating lecturers and reminded the graduates to apply the lessons learned from the various lectures delivered at the event.
The ceremony also featured the exco members of certificates to outgoing executives of the Muslim Students in the Faculty of Education.
Dignitaries at the event included Muslim lecturers from the Faculty of Education and other Faculties across the University.
