UNILORIN reaffirms commitment to quality training in Islamic law

By Mustafa Abubakar

The Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN, has reaffirmed the University’s commitment to blending theoretical knowledge with practical exposure, especially in the training of students of Islamic Law.

Prof. Egbewole, who was represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic), Prof. Moji Taibat Bakare-Odunola, stated this last Tuesday (July 8, 2025) during a courtesy visit by a team of Sharia scholars and judges led by the Head of the Department of Islamic Law, Prof. Azizat Amoloye-Adebayo.

While receiving the delegation in company of members of Law Students Association, UNILORIN Chapter; Muslim Lawyers Association, Kwara State and Nigerian Bar Association, Ilorin Branch, the Vice Chancellor commended the Grand Kadi of Kwara State, Justice Abdulateef Kamaldeen, for his unwavering support and described him as a good friend of the University.

Prof. Egbewole highlighted the consistent cooperation between the Sharia Court of Appeal and the University, which allows students to observe live court sessions every Wednesday.

According to him, these sessions often followed by interactive engagements, help transform the courtroom into a practical learning space where students can deepen their understanding of Islamic Law and Family Law in real-world contexts.

He further noted the educational value of permitting students to witness formal interactions such as family mediations and estate distributions, which are often handled with minimal conflict under the guidance of the Court.

“We are grateful for this collaboration and for the Court’s willingness to share knowledge beyond the courtroom,” he added.

In his remarks, the Grand Kadi of Kwara State, Justice Kamaldeen, thanked the Management for the warm reception.

Earlier in her remarks, the Head of the Department of Islamic Law, University of Ilorin, Prof. Azizat Amoloye-Adebayo, expressed gratitude to the University Management for its constant support and for sustaining an open-door policy that encourages academic growth across all units and Faculties.

Prof Amoloye-Adebayo explained that the courtesy visit was to show appreciation for the University’s support and the opportunities provided for students to blend theory with practice through regular exposure to real court processes.

“At the University of Ilorin, we always enjoy the kind support and care from the management. They operate an open-door policy and are actively involved in activities in every unit, Department, or Faculty”, she said.

Prof. Amoloye-Adebayo praised the Sharia Court’s readiness to assist the Department, noting that beyond regular court sittings, some justices often visit the classroom at their own expense to interact directly with students.

She also acknowledged the Court’s involvement in family matters, especially in ensuring peaceful estate distributions, which students are allowed to observe.

Present during the visit were the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Management Services), Prof. Adegboyega Adisa Fawole; the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Research, Technology and Innovation), Prof. Muhtar Adeiza Etudaiye; the Bursar, Mr Abiodun Lawal, who was represented by a Deputy Bursar, Mr Muhammed Akanbi.

Others were Justice Sharafa O. Hanafi, Alhaja Hassanat Laperi, Mallam Muhammad Ibrahim Orilowo, Dr Abdulmumin Uthman, Mr Tajudeen F. Kuranga, Alhaji Olayinka Olohunoyin, Imam Murtadho Sultan Kamaldeen, Dr T. A. Abdulraheem, Dr H. A. Folohunsho, Dr M. K. Imam-Tamim, Mrs Kaothar Hamzat-Umar, and Mrs Mahmudah Olohungbebe, among others.