By Isaac Lewu
The UNILORIN Christian Union Alumni Fellowship (UCUAF) has concluded its National Conference.
The two-day Conference, which held on Friday, May 2nd and Saturday, May 3rd, 2025 at the University Auditorium. brought together alumni and current students from across Nigeria and abroad for worship, planning, and leadership transition.
In his address, the Chairman of the Local Organising Committee and UCU Kwara State Chapter, Pastor Daniel Kingsley Chuks, said that the Conference is held every four years as outlined in the Fellowship’s Constitution. He explained that it provides an opportunity for members to reconnect, review their constitution, and elect new national leaders.
Pastor Chuks added that this year’s Conference also focused on supporting members in need through strategic planning and welfare sessions. He thanked the University Management for providing a peaceful and accommodating venue for the event.
In his remarks, the National President of the Fellowship, Pastor Ayodotun Ogundiya, emphasised the importance of leadership renewal and the international presence of the UCU alumni. He noted that the Fellowship has active chapters in the UK, U.S., and Canada.
Pastor Ogundiya described the Conference as more than just an election platform but also a time of revival, unity, and faith-building among members. He praised the University’s role in shaping spiritually grounded and intellectually strong graduates.
He urged the University Management not to relent in supporting religious bodies, saying that many UCU alumni now serve as leaders in ministry, academia, and industry across the globe.
Speaking on behalf of current students, Mr Precious Akionla Nathaniel, who is the President of the Ilorin Christian Union and a 300-level Medical student, appreciated the University’s support of faith-based student groups. He described the alumni conference as a bridge between generations.
Mr Nathaniel pointed out that the event created room for both reflection and strategic growth, adding that such collaboration is vital for student development. He expressed gratitude for the openness of the University Management to spiritual inclusion on campus.
He appealed for continued support from the University, especially in improving infrastructure for fellowship activities, noting that a balanced academic and spiritual life helps students succeed in all areas.
Presenting a health talk as part of the programme, a Urologist at the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Prof. Ademola Popoola, highlighted the negative impact of modern lifestyle habits on public health. He noted that in the past, people lived simpler lives with fewer luxuries and relied on more natural, analog ways of doing things, which inadvertently protected them from many illnesses. He said that the highly processed foods and sedentary lifestyles common today are major contributors to the increasing rates of various types of cancer.
To reduce the risk of developing cancer, Prof. Popoola advised members of the public to adopt healthier habits such as eating natural, home-cooked meals that are rich in fruits and vegetables, engaging in regular physical activities, avoiding excessive consumption of alcohol and tobacco, and going for regular medical checkups. He emphasised that prevention through lifestyle change is key to curbing the rise of cancer in the population.
Also present at the Conference were Rev. Prof. Okunuga, Bishop Samuel Alawode, Pastor J.O.S. Adeboye, and Pastor Mrs Ayorinde Gbemisola Debbie, among other ministers.
