UMLC holds pre-Ramadan lecture
…..to launch ₦150 million Islamic Centre project
By Mustafa Abubakar
The University of Ilorin Muslim Ladies Circle (UMLC) has held its 2026 Pre-Ramadan Lecture and formally launched a ₦150 million fundraising drive for the construction of an Islamic Centre within the University community.
The programme, which was held penultimate Sunday (February 8,2026) at the Mini-Campus of the University, and themed, “Fasting with Purpose: As If It Were Your Last”, attracted prominent scholars, University administrators, community leaders, and members of staff as well as students.
In her welcome address, the Amirah of UMLC, Prof. Saudat S. Abdulbaqi, described Ramadan as a period of moral rebirth and spiritual accountability rather than mere abstinence from food and drink.
“Fasting with purpose requires sincerity, urgency, and conscious effort to improve our character. If this were our last Ramadan, we would approach every act of worship with deeper reflection and commitment,” she said.
Prof. Abdulbaqi explained that the proposed Islamic Centre is envisioned as a structured platform for worship, Qur’anic studies, mentoring, youth engagement and contribution to the host community of the University.
According to her, the Centre will institutionalise and sustain spiritual programmes beyond the Ramadan season, including quarterly lectures, mentoring sessions for University students and youth within the community.
The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN who was the Chief Host, reaffirmed the support of the institution for initiatives that promote moral and ethical development alongside academic excellence.
Prof. Egbewole, who was represented by the Director of Academic Planing, University of Ilorin, Prof. AbdulRasheed Abiodun Adeoye, noted that fasting instills discipline, accountability and integrity-values that align with the core principles of the University.
“A spiritually grounded University community is more disciplined, more focused and more productive,” the Vice Chancellor stated.
On his part, Professor Emeritus Ishaq O. Oloyede, the Registrar and Chief Executive of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), who was represented by Dr Abdulgafar Fahm of the Department of Religions, Faculty of Art, described Ramadan as “a school of discipline capable of transforming individuals and society.”
He said the proposed Islamic Centre represents “an investment in generations unborn” and emphasised the importance of integrating moral discipline with intellectual development in higher institutions.
Delivering a lecture at the event, Mr Lukman Isalekoto urged Muslims to treat the forthcoming Ramadan as a potentially final opportunity for repentance and spiritual renewal.
“If this were your last Ramadan, how would you pray? How would you forgive? How would you give charity?” he asked.
He reiterated the words of Prophet Muhammad (SAW), who warned that; “a person who witnessed Ramadan and does not receive Allah’s mercy and forgiveness is a loser”.
The renowned cleric stressed that many people fast but fail to internalise its essence, stressing that true fasting involves guarding one’s tongue, actions, intentions, helping others and sharing from Allah’s provision bestowed on us.
“Purposeful fasting means keeping away from injustice, dishonesty, and moral negligence. Ramadan should permanently transform our conduct,” he added.
The Chief Launcher, Turaki of Ilorin, Senator Saliu Mustapha, who was represented by Prof. Binta Sulyman, described the project as a long-term investment in faith and community stability, urging individuals, corporate organisations and philanthropists to support the initiative.
Similarly, the Co-Launcher, Ambassador Abdulfatai Yahaya Seriki, represented by Dr Hauwa Salihu, emphasised collective responsibility and sustainability, noting that the Centre would serve as a legacy project for spiritual and intellectual growth.
On his part, the Chairman of the University of Ilorin Muslim Community, Prof. Mudasiru Olalere Yusuf, assured the UMLC that his organisation would integrate the Centre into its annual calendar of lectures, mentoring sessions and outreach activities upon completion.
Dr Abdullah Ola-Raji who represented the Chairman of UMC and the Chief Imam of the University Central Mosque, Prof Nasir AbdusSalam, prayed for the successful implementation and sustainability of the project.
In the health segment of the programme, Dr Shukrah Okesina highlighted the importance of proper nutrition, hydration and adequate rest during Ramadan to ensure physical well-being while observing the fast.
Dr Okesina warned against eating too much, emphasising that Ramadan is meant to cleanse our system and rest our internal organs.
Goodwill messages were also delivered by dignitaries, including the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic), Prof. Moji Taibat Bakare-Odunola, and the UMC Matron, Mrs Muibat Egbewole who commended the organisers for initiating a project aimed at strengthening moral and spiritual consciousness within the University.
Some of the participants, who spoke to UNILORIN Bulletin, described the event as timely, noting that the proposed Islamic Centre would serve as a permanent structure for worship, knowledge dissemination and community engagement.