UNILORIN FEMSA honours Lawal with Qur’an/Quiz contest
By Mustafa Abubakar
The Faculty of Education Muslim Students’ Association (FEMSA), University of Ilorin, has honoured a former Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic) of the University, Prof. AbdulRaheem Adebayo Lawal, with an Inter-secondary School Qur’an and Quiz Competition organised in recognition of his immense contributions to scholarship, mentorship, Islamic education, and moral development.
The event, with the theme, “Celebrating the Legacy of Impact, while Building the Future of Excellence,” held penultimate Thursday (May 21, 2026) at the University Multipurpose Hall, attracted students, scholars, parents, teachers, and other guests from within and outside the University community
Representing the Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN, on the occasion, the Sub-Dean of the Faculty of Education, Dr Lateef Adegboyega, commended FEMSA for sustaining programmes that promote intellectual growth, moral discipline, spiritual consciousness, and healthy competition among young learners.
Dr Adegboyega said the University leadership remained committed to initiatives that combine academic excellence with moral and religious values, describing the competition as a significant contribution to nation-building and youth development.
He congratulated participating schools, students, teachers, and parents for their sacrifices, resilience, and commitment throughout the competition, noting that such programmes help in raising a generation that is intellectually sound, morally upright, and socially responsible.
The Vice Chancellor also encouraged students to remain steadfast in the pursuit of knowledge, integrity, and service to humanity, expressing confidence that the lessons, experiences, and relationships built through the programme would inspire greater achievements in the future.
In his lecture at the event, the FEMSA Adviser, Dr M. S. Abdullahi, described Prof. Lawal as a towering pillar of knowledge, humility, integrity, and dedication whose impact had transformed generations of students within and beyond the University community.
Quoting verses from the Holy Qur’an and traditions of Prophet Muhammad (SAW), Dr Abdullahi emphasised the importance of honouring scholars and seeking beneficial knowledge, noting that true intellect must always be accompanied by good character and moral discipline.
He said that Prof. Lawal’s open-door policy, unwavering support for student development, and ability to balance academic excellence with compassion had left lasting impressions on members of the Muslim students’ community and the wider academic environment.
Dr Abdullahi prayed to Allah to reward the scholar abundantly for his sacrifices, teachings, and contributions to humanity, describing his works, lectures, publications, and mentorship as “sadaqah jariyah” that would continue to benefit the society.
Speaking earlier on behalf of the Dean of the Faculty of Education, Dr Adegboyega described the competition as more than an academic or religious exercise, stressing that it serves as a platform for nurturing leadership, discipline, scholarship, and spiritual consciousness among young people.
He noted that the event was particularly significant as it celebrated the enduring legacy and contributions of Prof. Lawal to scholarship, mentorship, and societal development.
Responding, the honouree, Prof. Lawal expressed profound appreciation to FEMSA, the Faculty of Education, and the University community for the honour bestowed on him through the Qur’an and Quiz Competition.
He described the recognition as a humbling experience and commended the organisers for promoting programmes that encourage scholarship, moral discipline, and spiritual development among the younger generations.
The former Deputy Vice Chancellor urged students to remain committed to the pursuit of knowledge, good character, and service to humanity, stressing that education must always be accompanied by integrity and fear of Allah.
He also encouraged Muslim students to continue upholding the values of excellence, unity, and discipline, while praying for greater progress and success for FEMSA and the University community.
Highlights of the occasion included moral lesson presentations, goodwill messages, special prayers, and the presentation of awards and prizes to outstanding participants and schools that distinguished themselves during the Qur’an recitation and quiz competition.
Among the award recipients were Ajijolakewu Ibrahim of Al-Itqan School, who emerged as the overall best participant in the Qur’an competition, and Aiyelabegan Nusroh of Minaret Comprehensive High School, who won the overall best participant award in the quiz category.
