Campus News

Egbewole hails Kwara Grand Kadi on exemplary leadership

By Isaac Lewu

The Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN, has described the Grand Kadi of the Kwara State Sharia Court of Appeal, Hon. Justice Abdulateef Kamaldeen, as a beacon of integrity, scholarship, and spiritual depth whose remarkable contributions to justice administration and Islamic jurisprudence continue to inspire generations.

Prof. Egbewole gave this commendation last Monday (July 7, 2025) while speaking at the unveiling of a journal titled “Sacred Law in a Changing World: Islamic Law and the Pursuit of Equitable Access to Justice” in honour of the Grand Kadi at the Old Moot Court of the Faculty of Law. The event was organised by the Nigerian Association of Muslim Law Students (NAMLAS) in conjunction with the Department of Islamic Law, University of Ilorin.

The Vice Chancellor, who was represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic), Prof. Moji Taibat Bakare-Odunola, extolled Justice Kamaldeen’s unwavering commitment to fairness, brilliance, and humility.

 He noted that the University is proud to associate with a man whose legacy transcends the courtroom and uplifts the moral fabric of the society.

The Vice Chancellor called on scholars and legal experts to explain and simplify sacred law in a way that aligns with the realities of the digital age.

Prof. Egbewole emphasised that as technology continues to shape legal and ethical landscapes, it is essential for academic institutions to lead efforts that keep humanity at the heart of innovation.

In her remarks, the Dean of the Faculty of Law, Prof. Nimah Modupe  AbdulRaheem, said that the 10th edition of the Maslaha Journal and the 2nd Scholars’ Debate will contribute significantly to the growth of Islamic law and jurisprudence in Nigeria.

The Dean, who was represented by Prof. Abdulfatai Sambo, described the honouree as a lighthouse for young Muslim lawyers and urged students and practitioners to emulate the Grand Kadi’s humility, simplicity, and peaceful nature.

On her part, the Head of the Department of Islamic Law, Prof. Azizat Amoloye-Adebayo, charged students to emulate the honouree’s courage and scholarship, stating that the future of Islamic law depends on a generation that is bold, grounded, and God-conscious.

Prof. Amoloye-Adebayo described the Grand Kadi as a man of vision, foresight, and one divinely guided.

 She noted that his life and works stand as a testament to the enduring relevance of sacred law in addressing contemporary issues.

The Head of the Department commended Justice Kamaldeen’s deep-rooted commitment to justice, spiritual integrity, and mentorship. She encouraged students to see in him a living example of how legal scholarship can serve both faith and society with excellence.

In his response, the Grand Kadi  urged young scholars and students to allow the journal and the occasion to inspire them.

Justice Kamaldeen, who is the 7th Grand Kadi of Kwara State, emphasised that excellence is never accidental, but a product of discipline, learning, faith, and relentless service.

Also in attendance were the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Management Services), Prof. Adegboyega Adisa Fawole, the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Research, Technology and Innovation), Prof. Muhtar Adeiza Etudaiye, the representative of the Bursar, Mr Muhammed Jimoh Akanbi; the Chief Judge of Kwara State, Justice A. A. Adebara, who was represented by Justice Mutalab Folorunsho, as well as staff members and students of the Faculty.