UMC honours 64 members to mark 50 years of faith, leadership, service
By Mustafa Abubakar
The University of Ilorin Muslim Community (UMC) has honoured 64 of its members for their service to Allah and the University in the spirit of the institution’s 50th Anniversary.
The awards ceremony, which held penultimate Sunday (November 23, 2025) at the University Auditorium of the, hosted a memorable special lecture and discussions, an event filled with reflection, gratitude, history, and celebration of remarkable individuals who have shaped the community over the past five decades.
The colourful gathering, with award categories for former Vice Chancellors, former Chief Imams, former Principal Officers, former Chairmen of the Muslim Community, Leaders and Friends of the Community, Ladies’ Circle, and Posthumous Awards, reflected the theme: “Celebrating 50 Years of Academic Excellence: The Role of Islamic Values in Shaping the Unilorin Community.”
In his address, the Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole (SAN), charged the Muslim Community to sustain the legacies left behind by the founding fathers of the University and to ensure they bequeath worthy values to future generations.
Recalling the positive impact of past leaders on the moral, academic, and spiritual growth of the University, Prof. Egbewole described the community’s 50-year journey as one rooted in deep faith and purposeful leadership.
“For us in the University of Ilorin Muslim Community, it has been 50 years of iman (faith), 50 years of achievements, and 50 years of impactful leadership in this great University,” he said.
Prof. Egbewole urged members of the Muslim Community to critically examine the heritage they intend to leave behind and to work deliberately towards sustaining a legacy of excellence.
In his opening address, the Chairman of the Muslim Community, Prof. M. O. Yusuf, said that the anniversary symbolised more than a celebration, as it was an opportunity for the community to reassess its leadership role in the University’s development.
According to Prof. Yusuf, “It is a way of reflecting on the Muslim Community’s contribution to the trajectory and growth of the University to the enviable height it occupies today in the Nigerian university system.”
In his opening lecture, the Chief Imam of the University Mosque, Prof. Nasir AbdusSalam, recalled a time when there was only one Muslim professor on the entire campus.
He praised Allah for transforming the community from humble beginnings to its present strength, which now includes four Juma’at Mosques across campuses.
“Look at us today, Allah has done for us what we could never have imagined. From one Professor to many. From no mosque to four Juma’at Mosques on campus. How do we thank Allah enough?” Prof. AbdusSalam asked, urging all members to continue supporting the Muslim Community.
In his remarks, Prof. Abdulrasheed Ajani Raji, the first Chief Imam of the community, recounted how the late 9th Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Sulu-Gambari Ayelabowo I, approved the establishment of the first UNILORIN Central Mosque, which held its maiden Juma’at prayer on October 6, 1976, at the mini campus.
He noted that this historic approval paved the way for the establishment of many central mosques across Ilorin and its environs.
Adding to the reflection, Alhaji Wahab Falowo, the first student Chief Imam of the University, highlighted the pioneering efforts and initiatives put in place by the community to assist students and members in need.
He recounted how early leaders worked tirelessly to provide spiritual guidance, mentorship, and practical support to students, ensuring their academic, social, and moral development.
Alhaji Falowo said, “The Muslim community has always extended help to its members, from providing counseling to aiding in financial and educational needs. These efforts have strengthened our unity and sustained our faith.”
Another elder, Alhaji Mustapha Adeleke Olawuyi, praised the pioneer Muslim staff for their sacrifices, noting that although they faced many challenges, they remained steadfast until the community grew into what it is today.
The Vice Chancellor of Al-Hikmah University, Prof. Lateef Oladimeji, who is also the State Coordinator of the University Muslim Ladies Circle from his student days till date, thanked Allah for granting the opportunity to share their stories, emphasising that the past fathers and mothers played critical roles in shaping individuals who now bear the responsibility of sustaining the community’s future.
The former Amirah of the University Muslim Ladies Circle, Prof. Sadiqat Nike Ijaya, expressed gratitude to Allah and highlighted the important role of women within the community.
She said the group had upheld the University’s reputation through several humanitarian activities, including outreach to prisons and the School for Persons with Special Needs.
The climax of the event was the recognition of 64 distinguished honourees carefully selected for their remarkable contributions to the spiritual, academic, and social development of the Muslim Community.
Explaining the need for the awardees, the Chairman of the Organising Committee, Prof. Adesina Lukman Azeez, said the awards were reserved for individuals who played significant roles in nurturing the Muslim community, strengthening the University, and advancing its growth over the past 50 years.
As the hall echoed with applause, reflections, and gratitude, one thing became clear: the story of the Unilorin Muslim Community is one of resilience, faith, and teamwork, 50 years strong and still standing.
