Campus News

Egbewole urges Muslim faithful to shun moral decadence

The Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN, has urged Muslim faithful to shun moral decadence and embrace decency in all their dealings.

Prof. Egbewole gave this charge penultimate Saturday (March 15, 2025) in his remarks at this year’s edition of the annual Ramadan Lecture organised by the Ilorin Emirate Staff Association (IESA), University of Ilorin, held at the University Auditorium.

The Vice Chancellor, who was represented on the occasion by the Director of the Joint Preliminary Examinations Board (JUPEB), Prof. Ibrahim Kayode Adam, emphasised the importance of moral uprightness and encouraged Muslims to avoid immoral bahaviour, noting that moral decadence can be attributed to various factors, including the social media and negligence by parents towards child upbringing.

Prof. Egbewole, who was the Chief Host of the programme, pointed out that the society would be healthy and free of crime and criminality if children are groomed based on Islamic tenets, saying that it was high time that the evading glory of the Emirate, particularly the Ilorin city, was reclaimed from those who are bent on smearing it.

Vice Chancellor recalled that one of the most attractive unique selling points of Ilorin several decades back was its complete harmony, which stemmed from its fascinating culture characterised by learning, peaceful coexistence, hard work and contentment, among others.

He added that this fascinating aspect of the city is being vigorously threatened by some of its indigenes and residents as he said that it was not too late to get the deterioration arrested in the interest of the present and future generations.

As the University’s host community, the Vice Chancellor asserted that the culture of Ilorin would surely impact on the University.

The Vice Chancellor condemned the unbridled pursuit of materialism and emerging tendencies for ritual killings, which are in contrast with what the city was hitherto known for.

Prof. Egbewole also expressed disappointment that the culture of Ilorin people is being replaced by foreign cultures, a situation, which, he said, was injurious to the historic and cultural identity of the people of Ilorin Emirate.

The Vice Chancellor, who is also the Secretary-General of the Association of West African Universities (AWAU), commended the Association for organising the event and for also ensuring the sustenance of the annual lecture, which, he said, has been a convergence of the town, crown and gown.

Prof. Egbewole, who promised that his Administration would continue to create a conducive environment for staff and students of the University to maximise their full potentials, assured the Association of more support.

In his welcome address, the Chairman of the Association, Prof. Suleiman Funsho Ambali, commended the Management of the University on the progress recorded by the institution.

Prof. Ambali, who is the immediate past Deputy Vice Chancellor (Management Services) of the University, said that this  was the first time the annual event would be held on campus.

He explained that the decision to host the programme on the campus was targeted at deepening the relationship between the University and its host community.

Also in their remarks, the Chairman and Chairwoman of the event, Prof. Issa Awoye Baba and Prof. Nusirat Elelu, the Chief Medical Director of the Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Budo-Egba, and the Executive Secretary of the Kwara State Primary Health Care Development Agency, respectively, stressed the need for all hands to be on deck to ensure that the characteristic sanity of Ilorin Emirate is not lost.

In their presentation, the two guest speakers, Prof. Shuaib Ologele Ndarabi of Al-Hikmah University, Ilorin, and a Deputy Imam of the University of Ilorin Central Mosque, Dr Musa Siddiq Abdullahi, charged indigenes of Ilorin to engage current in critical introspection, saying that the negative trends are traceable to the people of the community.

They explained that gone were the days when people would keep quiet, saying that it is important for people to cultivate the habit of not only asking for the best but also acting in a way that they would be worthy of emulation.

They specifically charged the clerics and other intellectuals and professionals who are indigenes of Ilorin Emirate to take up the struggle by serving as agents of change.

The event was attended by the Registrar, Mr Mansur Adeleke Alfanla, who was represented by a Deputy Registrar and Secretary, College of Health Sciences, University of Ilorin, Mr Ahmad Rufai Siddique; the University Librarian, Prof. Kamaldeen Tunde Omopupa; and a former Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof. AbdulGaniyu Ambali, OON and his wife, Prof. Hassanat Taiwo Ambali.

Also in attendance were the Provost, College of Health Sciences, Prof. Biodun Sulyman Alabi; the Dean, Faculty of Law, Prof. Nimah Modupe AbdulRaheem; the Dean, Faculty of Physical Sciences, Prof. Abdullahi Alafara Baba; the Director, Institute for Legislative Studies, Prof. Ibrahim Imam; the Director, Physical Planning Unit, Mr AbdulRahman Toyin Jimoh; and a Deputy Director (Works), who is also the University Estate Officer, Dr Bolakale Sahid Baba: among several others from far and near.