Campus News

Faculty of Arts holds interreligious prayer for University

The Faculty of Arts, University of Ilorin, has organised a special interreligious prayer session for the Faculty and the entire University community, to seek divine protection against untimely death and other negative occurrences.

The event, which was held at the Faculty’s main hall last Wednesday (March 12, 2025), brought together lecturers and staff from different religious backgrounds in a show of unity and faith.

The solemn gathering featured prayers from both Christian and Muslim clerics for peace, divine guidance, and safety of the staff of the Faculty and the University at large.

In his welcome address, the Dean of the Faculty, Prof. Olalere Adeyemi, emphasised the importance of faith and collective prayers in times of uncertainty.

Prof. Adeyemi said, “As a Faculty that values intellectual and moral growth, we believe in the power of prayers alongside our academic pursuits. The initiative was prompted by recent societal challenges, including insecurity, health crises, and other misfortunes affecting families and the University community”.

He added that the “gathering is a reminder that regardless of our religious differences, we all desire peace, protection, and progress for our University and the nation.”

The Christian prayer session was led by Prof. Solomon Ikibe, who called for divine mercy and intervention in the affairs of the Faculty, the University, and the nation.

He urged attendees to embrace love and righteousness while praying for the safety of students and staff.

Prof. Ikibe prayed for protection against untimely death and all forms of accidents, on and off campus, divine wisdom and guidance for students and staff in their academic and professional pursuits, healing and comfort for those who are sick or going through personal struggles, peace and security in Nigeria, especially in academic institutions.

He also prayed for success and prosperity for the Faculty of Arts and the entire University, unity, love, and understanding among staff, students, and management. He further prayed for God’s mercy in overcoming personal and national economic hardships and protection against evil influences and temptations among students.

Similarly, the Muslim prayer was led by Prof. Y. O. Imam, who invoked Allah’s protection and guidance, emphasising the need for faith, patience, and unity in overcoming life’s challenges.

Prof. Imam prayed for Allah’s protection from premature death and unexpected calamities, knowledge, wisdom, and understanding for students and staff in their studies and careers, good health, strength, and well-being for all members of the Faculty and security and peace in the University and the nation as a whole.

Prof. Imam also prayed for Allah’s favour and blessings upon the Faculty and the University Administration, unity and brotherhood among Muslims and people of other faiths, divine guidance to help students make the right choices in life and financial stability, and ease for struggling students and staff.

Speaking at the event, the Director of the Linguistic Immersion Centre, Prof. Badmas Yusuf, noted that the interfaith nature of the prayer underscored the Faculty’s commitment to religious harmony.

He said, “This event is not just about prayers; it is about coming together as a family, irrespective of our beliefs, to seek divine intervention in these trying times.”

The Dean of the Faculty, Prof. Adeyemi, in his closing remarks, advised the Faculty staff to check their records at the Directorate of Human Resources to update their next of kin.

Among those that attended the programme were the Director, Centre for Peace and Strategic Studies (CPSS), Prof. Ibrahim Jawondo; the Director, Centre for International Education (CIE), Prof Ibraheem Onireti; the Director, Academic Planning and Council Member, Prof. AbdulRasheed Adeoye; the Sub-Dean of the Faculty, Dr Abdulhameed Yusuf; Dr Ambali AbdusSalam, and Dr Diop Dame, among others.