Al-Hikmah VC vows to replicate UNILORIN legacy
By Idris Alooma
One year after assuming office, Prof. Lateef Funsho Oladimeji, the 6th Vice-Chancellor of Al-Hikmah University, Ilorin, says his journey and that of the institution are rooted in the foundation laid at the University of Ilorin.
“UNILORIN made me,” he declared. A distinguished scholar in the field of Islamic Studies, he graduated with an outstanding record from UNILORIN, served in multiple leadership roles at Al-Hikmah, and is now vowing to replicate the UNILORIN legacy. He specifically appreciated the Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN, for his leadership and support, and praised him for the establishment of KU8+ and for serving as its Chairman. He noted that KU8+ has greatly enhanced research publications, development, and unity among all 14 universities in Kwara State. He also paid tribute to all past Vice-Chancellors of Al-Hikimah University for the enduring legacies that continue to shape the institution. “Taking leadership is one thing; carrying the responsibility successfully is only possible with Allah’s help,” he said, noting giant strides in academics, access, and community engagement.
An adage says, “a river that flows through a town should benefit the people of that town.” In the last 12 months, Al-Hikmah has moved with renewed momentum. The university recorded 100 percent NUC accreditation for all 28 programmes assessed, achieved the highest student enrollment in its history, and rose from third to second position in Kwara State in the Times Higher Education ranking. “Alhamdulillah, we have continued to move Al-Hikmah University to a higher level,” the VC said. “We have witnessed progress and, above all, we have enjoyed peace across the university.”
A major highlight is the NUC licensing of the Centre for Open Distance Learning. Though it started before his tenure, it was concluded under his watch. With ODL, students worldwide can now earn Al-Hikmah degrees without being on campus. “Education is the passport to the future,” Prof. Oladimeji noted, “and with this, that passport has gone digital.” The university is also advancing plans for Al-Hikmah Radio Station. He praised the great contributions of UNILORIN FM Radio and its General Manager, Mr. Idris Alooma, for the support Al-Hikmah has enjoyed, and expressed his readiness to establish Al-Hikmah Radio Station to further amplify academic discourse and community engagement.
Other plans include strengthening the MBBS programme, which is now in clinical training, launching five new engineering programmes, achieving energy self-sufficiency, and developing a big farm for commercial agriculture.
No account of the progress would be complete without the founder, Chief AbdulRaheem Oladimeji, Jagunmolu of Igbomina Land, Arogundade of Lagos, and Baba Oba of Ofa. The VC praised him for his great and consistent support and assistance to the university. “A tree does not make a forest,” the VC said. “The founder’s vision is the soil on which we are growing.” That soil was prepared at UNILORIN, where Prof. Oladimeji earned his BA to PhD, served the Alumni Association, “The child who is well-fed at home will speak well of outside” Many of Al-Hikmah’s pioneer leaders came from UNILORIN, and the NUC advised at inception in 2005 that Al-Hikmah should learn from the older institution and its successive leaders.
On diversity, Al-Hikmah is walking the talk. The Dean of a Faculty and the Provost of the College of Health Sciences are Christians. Christian students and staff operate freely under the University’s values of decency and discipline. “Our philosophy is to welcome anyone—regardless of ethnic background or religion—provided they abide by our rules,” he explained. “Islam teaches us to respect and live peacefully with others. Therefore, non-Muslims are free and comfortable here.”
Guided by a “STRESS-FREE” framework — Strategic planning, Teamwork, Revenue drive, Expansion, Staff and Student Welfare, Security, Funding, Ranking, Entrepreneurship, and Evaluation — the administration has sponsored 68 lecturers for training, upgraded learning with alumni-funded smart boards, and grown postgraduate enrollment to over 2,732 students. Prof. Oladimeji is also pushing for national equity, appealing to the Federal Government to amend the TETFund Act and open NELFUND loans to private university students. “Parents in private universities also pay taxes. Why should their children be excluded?”
As he looks ahead, his message to students is direct: “Do not keep bad company. Do not be playful with your studies. See yourselves as travellers. Prepare to be leaders.” From a fifty-naira meal ticket at UNILORIN to the VC’s office at Al-Hikmah, his story reflects the proverb: “he who lays the foundation well will build a lasting house.” One year in, that house is rising, one stress-free step at a time.
