Egbewole leads Muslim Principal Officers on Christmas visits to Christian colleagues

By Tajudeen Babamale

In line with the longstanding tradition of the management of the University of Ilorin to promote peace, harmony, and mutual respect among members of the University community, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN, last Thursday, led other Muslim Principal Officers, Deans, and Directors on Christmas Day visits to the homes of their Christian colleagues.

The annual exercise, which underscores the University’s commitment to strengthening interfaith unity, saw the delegation visiting the homes of several top officials in the institution, including the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Management Services), Prof. Adegboyega Adisa Fawole; the Director, Unilorin Renewable Energy Centre, Prof. Peter Oladapo Adeoye; the Director, Mentorship Centre, Prof. Tanimola Makanjuola Akande; and the Director, Centre for Gender Studies, Prof. Patricia Folakemi Omojasola.

Others visited included the Dean, Faculty of Education, Prof. Olukunmi Lanre Olaitan; the Director, SIWES, Prof. Roland Monday Kayode; the Dean, Faculty of Physical Sciences, Prof. Olabisi Adeleye Adekeye; the Dean, Postgraduate School, Prof. Friday Nwosu; and the Dean, Faculty of Engineering and Technology, Prof. Joshua Olanrewaju Olaoye.

Speaking during the visits, the Vice Chancellor said that the visitations were designed to share in the joy of the season and to demonstrate the University’s tradition of promoting peaceful coexistence. He said, “We came to share the joy of the season with you and your family. We appreciate the good work that you are doing for the University”.

Prof. Egbewole noted that the University values the collective efforts of all staff regardless of religious affiliation, adding that such visits reinforce the spirit of togetherness.

At the residence of the Director of the Centre for Gender Studies, Prof. Patricia Folakemi Omojasola, the Vice Chancellor lauded her husband for the support he provides on the home front. He described Prof. Omojasola as “a jewel in our University,” noting that her contributions continue to enrich the institution’s academic and administrative landscape.

Prof. Egbewole extended similar commendations to the wives of other Christian academics and administrators visited. He acknowledged their roles in creating stable home environments that enable their husbands to give their best to the University. According to him, the output and commitment of these officers clearly reflect the strength and encouragement they enjoy from home.

While expressing gratitude to the Christian staff for being loyal partners to the University management, he stated that their cooperation remains essential for institutional progress.

The Vice Chancellor, however, encouraged them to double their efforts in the coming year, stating that the collective goal is to make the University of Ilorin even better than it currently is.

At his residence, the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Management Services), Prof. Adegboyega Adisa Fawole, noted that the visit brought immense joy to his household. He observed that the gesture reflected genuine affection and goodwill from the Vice Chancellor.

While emphasising that love remains the foundation of peace and progress within any community, Prof. Fawole expressed confidence that the spirit of the season would strengthen cooperation across the University. He encouraged staff to preserve unity and allow the message of love to guide their engagements.

His wife, Prof.  Oluyemisi Fawole, expressed hope that the unity and compassion demonstrated during the visit would continue well beyond the Christmas season. While advocating a spirit of brotherliness, she said this would enhance both professional and social relationships within the University.

In the same vein, the Director of the Mentorship Centre, Prof. Tanimola Makanjuola Akande, described the visit of the Vice Chancellor and his team as a rare privilege. He regarded it as a remarkable moment for his household, noting that it was the first time such a Christmas would be taking place in his house. He, however, said the gesture was received as a meaningful testament to the University’s dedication to inclusiveness and shared community values.

On her part, the Director of the Centre for Gender Studies, Prof. Patricia Folakemi Omojasola, expressed deep appreciation on behalf of her husband, Dr Taiwo Omojasola, and their children. She noted that the entire household valued the Vice Chancellor’s presence and viewed the visit as a warm reaffirmation of unity within the University.

The Director of SIWES, Prof. Roland Monday Kayode, praised the Vice Chancellor’s principled and steadfast leadership style, which, he said, had continued to foster cohesion across the University. He explained that the visit, which filled him with visible joy, had further strengthened his resolve to contribute positively to ongoing efforts aimed at uniting members of the University community.

Meanwhile, the wife of the Director of the Unilorin Renewable Energy Centre, Mrs. Adeoye, who received the team on behalf of her husband, commended the initiative for strengthening interfaith bonds, deepening community spirit, and reinforcing a shared resolve to work collaboratively toward advancing the vision of the University of Ilorin in the years ahead.

The Dean of the Faculty of Physical Sciences, Prof. Olabisi Adeleye Adekeye, also expressed gratitude for the visit, describing the initiative as a unifying experience that boosts morale and demonstrates the administration’s sincere concern for staff welfare.

Similarly, the Dean of the Faculty of Education, Prof. Olukunmi Lanre Olaitan, offered heartfelt appreciation to the Vice Chancellor and his team for sustaining a tradition that reinforces unity among staff.

While describing the visit as uplifting and symbolic of the University’s collective progress, Prof. Olaitan said the presence of the management team in his house reinvigorated his commitment to continue giving his best to the University.

In the same vein, the Dean of the Postgraduate School, Prof. Friday Nwosu, commended the Vice Chancellor for leading with humility and compassion. Prof. Nwosu observed that the Christmas visit exemplified an inclusive leadership style that recognises and values every segment of the University system.

The Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and Technology, Prof. Joshua Olanrewaju Olaoye, who welcomed the delegation alongside his family members, described the visit as refreshing and inspiring. He noted that it renewed his commitment to contributing to the development of the University in the coming year.

On the Vice Chancellor’s entourage were the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic), Prof. Moji Taibat Bakare-Odunola; the Registrar, Mr Mansur Adeleke Alfanla; the Bursar, Mr Abiodun Lawal; and the University Librarian, Prof. Kamaldeen Tunde Omopupa.

Also on the delegation were Council Members—Prof. M. A. Ijaiya, Prof. R. A. Bello, and Prof. U. A. Raheem; the Dean of the Faculty of Management Sciences, Prof. T. A. Olaniyi; the Dean of the Faculty of Clinical Sciences, Prof. K. W. Wahab; and the Dean of Veterinary Medicine, Prof. S. A. Ameen.

Others who accompanied the Vice Chancellor on the visit were the Director of the Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit (ACTU), Prof. Azizat Amoloye-Adebayo; the Director of Corporate Affairs, Mr Kunle Akogun; the Principal Assistant Registrar in the Office of the Vice Chancellor, Mr Hamid Bashir, and the Personal Assistant to the Vice Chancellor, Dr Mubarak Akintola; and the Principal Information Officer, Registrar’s Office, Mr Temitope Omoniyi; among others.