Egbewole’s wife tasks Muslim professionals on personal responsibility
…..ex-Unilorite bags UNIFEMGA award of excellence
By Mustafa Abubakar
The wife of the Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin,Mrs Muibat Egbewole, has called on Muslim professionals to embrace greater understanding, ethical engagement, and knowledge-driven action as she emphasised the need for personal responsibility, continuous learning, and moral uprightness in their professional and social lives.
Mrs Egbewole made the call penultimate Saurday, (February 7, 2026) at the Obafemi Awolowo University Muslim Graduates’ Association of Nigeria (UNIFEMGA) 2026 Honours Day held at Bovina Hotels,Ilorin.
She stressed that sustainable national development begins with individuals committed to excellence and guided by ethical principles.
Mrs Egbewole, who recently retired from the services of the University of Ilorin as a Deputy Registrar, further noted that Muslim professionals have a unique role to play in shaping society, not only through their careers but also by mentoring younger generations, upholding family values, and promoting social justice.
“Our society will only thrive if we combine knowledge with action, understanding with empathy, and professionalism with integrity. Each of us must contribute positively to nation-building, starting from our homes, workplaces, and communities,” she said.
Delivering a lecture on the theme, “Rebuilding National and International Confidence Through Leadership and Followership Reforms,” a Muslim cleric, Mr Lukman Muktar Isale-Koto, highlighted the urgent need for Nigerians to shun corruption, describing it as a collective responsibility that requires commitment from every citizen.
He urged leaders and citizens alike to uphold justice, equity, and fairness while fostering transparency and accountability in all their dealings.
Mr Isale-Koto also emphasised the importance of self-evaluation, stressing that moral and ethical reform must begin at the personal level.
“Every decision, every action, and every interaction must reflect honesty, justice, and responsibility. It is only by aligning our daily conduct with these values that we can rebuild trust at both national and international levels,” he said.
Speaking on behalf of the honourees, Prof. Rafiu Olasukanmi Yusuf, who retired from the Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Ilorin, expressed gratitude for the recognition.
Prof. Yusuf called on graduates and professionals to uphold integrity, service, and excellence in all spheres of life.
“This award is not just a personal recognition but a call to continue contributing positively to society. Each graduate has a role in shaping communities through ethical leadership, mentorship, and knowledge-driven action,” Prof. Yusuf said.
Also speaking, an Ilorin-based prominent legal practitioner, Prof. Yusuf Olaolu-Ali, SAN, emphasised the importance of personal reorientation anchored on strong family values.
Prof. Ali, who is also the Kuliya-Gari of Ilorin encouraged Nigerians to return to moral basics at the family level, noting that society ultimately benefits from responsible parenting, ethical upbringing, and principled leadership.
“We need to go back to the basics and instil virtues that our families and society can carry forward. Leadership begins at home,” he said.
Speaking earlier, the National President of UNIFEMGA, Alhaji Muhammad Buhari, described the theme of the programme as apt, noting that trust remains central to sound leadership and governance.
Quoting the Holy Qur’an, Alhaji Buhari said: “Indeed, Allah commands you to render trusts to whom they are due and, when you judge between people, to judge with justice.”
The UNIFEMGA President explained that the event was organised to celebrate members who have distinguished themselves in various spheres of life while upholding integrity, excellence, and service.
He added that the 2026 Reunion Conference and Honours Day provided an opportunity for members in the country and diaspora to foster unity, brotherhood, and a shared commitment to societal development.
The event concluded with the presentation of awards to 28 outstanding members, recognising their contributions to humanity, ethical leadership, and the advancement of knowledge in their respective fields.