By Mustafa Abubakar
Staff of the Bursary Department of the University of Ilorin penultimate Friday (October 31, 2025) organised a surprise prayer session in honour of the University Bursar, Mr Abiodun Lawal, as he marked his first 365 days in office.
The brief but profound event, held at the Bursary Department, was attended by staff across all units of the department. The initiative, according to the organisers, led by the Deputy Bursar, Mr Muhammad Akanbi, was to thank God and acknowledge the remarkable leadership strides recorded within the Bursar’s first year in office.
Mr Akanbi recalled the early days of the administration, noting that the Bursary team embraced the responsibility of building a strong and united internal management culture.
“I told him at our first meeting that this is our administration. For years, we had Bursars from outside, but now leadership has returned home. If we do well, we benefit together; if otherwise, it reflects on us. By God’s grace, after five years, I will proudly say I was part of this success,” he stated.
Mr Akanbi emphasised the need for unity and dedication among staff, adding, “We spend most of our active hours here—eight to ten hours daily. If we make this place better, our lives will be better. Everyone desires progress, and God will bless our efforts. When blessings come, none of us will miss our portion.”
He also thanked God for a smooth leadership transition in the Bursary and prayed for continued peace, understanding, and progress in the department.
Responding, the Bursar, Mr Lawal expressed deep gratitude to the staff for the surprise honour.
“As you have surprised me today, God will surprise you all for good. I am deeply touched. Whatever good I have been doing before, I will multiply it from today,” he said.
He appreciated the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Wahab Olasupo and, SAN and other Principal Officers, and staff members for their support, loyalty and cooperation over the past year and prayed for greater accomplishments.
Mr Lawal said, “I am sincerely grateful for your support. I pray that the coming years will be even greater. May God bless us, protect us, and grant us long life and success. And when my time here ends, may my successor be better than me.”
The prayer session featured both Islamic and Christian prayers, for divine guidance, protection, and continued success for the Bursar and the University at large.
The event ended with goodwill messages from staff, who expressed optimism for sustained growth, harmony, and excellence in the Bursary Department of the University of Ilorin.
