Religions Dept honours Alooma, 13 others
By Muizdeen Adewole
The Islamic Studies Unit of the Department of Religions, University of Ilorin, penultimate Thursday (June 25, 2026) honoured 14 distinguished personalities with Awards of Excellence at a symposium held at the Faculty of Arts Lecture Theatre, University of Ilorin. The programme was organised by the final year students of the Unit.
The awardees include Mr Idris Alooma, General Manager of UNILORIN FM; Prof. Abubakar Imam Ali-Agan, a former Head of the Department; Dr Sanusi Lafiagi of Al-Hikmah University, Ilorin; a Level Adviser at the Department,Mr Sheikh Ahmed Yahyah; and 10 others.
In his keynote address at the event, Dr Lafiagi described Islamic Studies students as “carriers of knowledge” and ambassadors of Islam, citing the Hadith that scholars are the heirs of the prophets. He noted that Islamic Studies remains the most beneficial knowledge and urged students to approach it with diligence. He also highlighted viable career paths in research, broadcasting, Shariah advisory, public service, imamship, and law.
To strengthen graduate impact, he called for a review of the curriculum and improved career guidance to bridge the gap between academic training and societal needs.
On his part, Prof. Ali-Agan charged the students to be upright, self-disciplined, and to place piety above worldliness, reminding them that “before gold can shine, it must pass through fire.”
He also urged them to pursue excellence as a form of worship and to remain steadfast in character.
Receiving his award, Mr Alooma thanked the Unit for finding him worthy of honour.
The ace broadcaster urged participants to adopt the teachings of the Holy Qur’an as their life templates.
