UMC honours 65 elevated members
By Bashir Dawodu
The University of Ilorin Muslim Community (UMC) penultimate Sunday (July 12, 2026), honoured 65 of its members who were recently promoted to higher academic and administrative positions at the University.
The event, which brought together families, friends and colleagues of the honourees, was organised to celebrate their promotions and express gratitude to Almighty Allah for granting the beneficiaries the opportunity to attain new milestones in their careers.
The promoted members included academic staff elevated to the rank of Professor across various Faculties and Departments, as well as senior non-teaching staff promoted to positions such as Deputy Registrar, Deputy Bursar, Deputy Director, and Senior Chief Technologist.
Among the newly promoted professors are Kamaldeen Tunde Omopupa (Library and Information Sciences), Adeniran Jamiu Adetayo (Chemical Engineering), Ahmed Yusuf Alapata (Geography and Environmental Management), Akanbi Abdulrasaq Oladimeji (Science Education), Abdul-Jelil Gbemisola Animasawun (Centre for Peace and Strategic Studies), Shakirat Iyabo Bello (Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacy Practice), Nusirat Elelu (Public Health and Preventive Medicine), Ismail Mustapha Adua (Business Law), Iyiola Oluyinka Ajibola (Zoology), Abdulhakeem Abdullahi Kilishi (Economics), Adeola Tawakalitu Kola-Mustapha (Pharmaceutical and Industrial Pharmacy).
Other celebrated new Professors are Fausat Lola Kolawole (Home Economics and Food Science), Lambe Kayode Mustapha (Mass Communication), Karim Ayodeji Oloyede (Telecommunication Science), Omokanye Habeeb Kayodele (Otorhinolaryngology), Raji Lukman Oladimeji (Veterinary Theriogenology and Production), Abdulkadir Thaofiq Sholagberu (Water Resources and Environmental Engineering), and AbdulRauf Lukman Adebisi (Public Law), among others.
Other beneficiaries included Deputy Registrars, Deputy Bursars, Deputy Directors, and Senior Chief Technologists who were recognised for their career advancement.
In his remarks, the Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN, who was represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Research, Technology and Innovation), Prof. Muhtar Adeiza Etudaiye, congratulated the honourees and thanked the Almighty Allah for preserving their lives to witness the occasion.
He urged them to remain committed to diligence, integrity and excellence in the discharge of their responsibilities while praying for greater accomplishments in their careers.
In his welcome address, the Chairman of the University of Ilorin Muslim Community, Prof. Mudathir Olalere Yusuf, described the promotions as a testament to hard work, perseverance and divine favour.
He said the honourees had become role models for younger academics and professionals,encouraging them to build enduring professional networks,promote excellence in service delivery and remain steadfast in their commitment to the Muslim Community.
The Guest Lecturer, Prof. AbdulRazzaq Abdul-Majeed Alaro, whose lecture, titled “Promotion, Trust and Honour: Rethinking Success Beyond the Title”, was represented by Dr Kamoldeen Abiodun Ajijolakewu, who reminded the beneficiaries that promotion is both a privilege and a responsibility.
He urged the promoted staff to remain grateful to Almighty Allah, uphold the principles of Islam in their professional conduct,discharge their duties faithfully and avoid actions that could undermine the integrity of their positions.
In her goodwill message, the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic), Prof. Moji Taibat Bakare-Odunola, congratulated the honourees,describing their promotions as rewards for integrity,dedication and hard work while noting that all achievements ultimately come by the will of Almighty Allah.
Also speaking,Prof. O.B. Oloyede, encouraged the beneficiaries to remain patient, continue making positive impacts in their respective fields and uphold good character.
Responding on behalf of the honourees,the University Librarian,Prof. Kamaldeen Tunde Omopupa, thanked the University of Ilorin Muslim Community for organising the event.
He urged his fellow honourees to rededicate themselves to the service of Almighty Allah, remain guided by the teachings of the Holy Qur’an and continue to discharge their responsibilities with diligence and integrity.
Prof. Omopupa also expressed appreciation to the families,friends and colleagues who attended the event and prayed for Allah’s continued blessings upon them.
