UMLC celebrates Mawlid with special needs students
By Mustafa Abubakar
The University of Ilorin Muslim Ladies’ Circle (UMLC) has celebrated the 2026 Mawlid with students of the Kwara State School for Special Needs, Ilorin, urging them to maximise their potentials, pursue higher education and remain steadfast in their faith.
The annual programme, spearheaded by the Mini Campus Asalatu Section of the Circle, featured Qur’anic recitation, Salawat, Islamic songs, quiz and Qur’anic competitions, sign-language demonstration, career guidance, goodwill messages and presentation of gifts to students. It was held penultimate Sunday (October 10, 2026).
Speaking at the event, the Coordinator of the UMLC, Mini Campus Branch, Mrs Muhibat Yusuf, thanked members, invited guests, participating schools and the host school for their support.
She congratulated the students and appreciated their parents for their commitment to the education and wellbeing of the students.
She urged the students not to regard the School for Special Needs as the terminal point of their education but to strive for higher education and aspire to become professionals, noting that people with special abilities had become lawyers, doctors, engineers and professionals in various fields.
Mrs Yusuf also appealed to past and present members, particularly former Executives Committee Members, to support the Circle and sustain the legacy of its founders, she expressed concern over the declining participation in its activities.
Earlier, the Amirah of the Circle, Prof. Saudat Salah Abdulbaqi, represented by Prof. Nafisat Afolake Adedokun-Shittu, Coordinator of the Postgraduate Studies (PS) Branch of UMLC, appreciated members for their sacrifices and commitment to the programme.
Prof. Abdulbaqi urged Muslims to use the Mawlid celebration to demonstrate the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) through compassion, charity and selfless service. She encouraged the students not to regard disability as inability but to develop their academic, digital and entrepreneurial skills.
“Don’t limit your destiny. Don’t limit your ability. You have been given special abilities by Allah. Tap into those potentials and abilities, and Allah will bless you,” she said.
The Principal of the School, Mrs Rashida Olayinka Jibril, appreciated UMLC for its continued support.
The Qur’anic and quiz competition featured the host School, Queen Elizabeth School and the UNILORIN School. The Kwara State School for Special Needs emerged first with 25 points, followed by Queen Elizabeth School with 22 points, while the UNILORIN School came third with 11 points.
The wife of the Vice Chancellor, Mrs Muheebat Adedola Egbewole, represented by Prof. Durotoye, presented gifts to the winners, congratulating the participating schools and commending the organisers for bringing happiness to children with special abilities.
The event, which was attended by a former Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic), University of Ilorin, Prof. Nike Yetunde Sidiqat Ijaiya, ended with prayers for the students, their parents, teachers, contributors and organisers, with supplications for the children to succeed in their education and become sources of pride to their families.
