The University of Ilorin Muslim Community on Sunday hosted a memorable special lecture and awards ceremony to commemorate the institution’s 50th anniversary, an event filled with reflection, gratitude, history, and celebration of remarkable individuals who have shaped the community over the past five decades.
The colourful gathering, held at the university’s main auditorium, reflected the theme: “Celebrating 50 Years of Academic Excellence: The Role of Islamic Values in Shaping the Unilorin Community.”
With 64 distinguished honourees recognised for their outstanding contributions to faith, scholarship, leadership, and service, the programme highlighted half a century of growth anchored on Islamic values and an enduring commitment to excellence.
In his address, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole (SAN), urged the Muslim community to preserve the great legacies established by the university’s founding fathers and, in turn, pass on worthy values to future generations.
He described the community’s 50-year journey as one rooted in deep faith and purposeful leadership.
“For us in the University of Ilorin Muslim Community, it has been 50 years of iman (faith), 50 years of achievements, and 50 years of impactful leadership in this great university,” he said.
The Vice Chancellor challenged the community to critically examine the heritage they intend to leave behind and to work deliberately toward sustaining the legacy of excellence.
Chairman of the Muslim Community, Prof. Mudathir Yusuf, said the anniversary symbolised more than a celebration, it was an opportunity to reassess the community’s leadership role in the university’s development.
He noted that the programme enabled members to reconstruct their history, revisit major milestones, and acknowledge the community’s contributions to the institution’s Golden Jubilee.
“It is a way of reflecting on the Muslim community’s contribution to the trajectory and growth of the University to the enviable height it occupies today in the Nigerian university system,” he said.
The atmosphere grew even more nostalgic as the Chief Imam of the University Mosque, Prof. Nasir AbdusSalam, recalled a time when there was only one Muslim professor on the entire campus.
He praised Allah for transforming the community from such humble beginnings to its present strength, which now includes four Jumat mosques across the campus.
“Look at us today, Allah has done for us what we could never have imagined. From one professor to many. From no mosque to four Jumat mosques on campus. How do we thank Allah enough?
“You all have to support the Muslim community in this university. We thank the founding fathers for their efforts and continue to carry out the mandate,” he added.
The memories flowed further when Emeritus Prof. Abdulrasheed Ajani Raji, former Chief Imam, recalled how the late 9th Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Sulu-Gambari Ayelabowo I, approved the establishment of the first Unilorin central mosque, which held its maiden Jumat prayer on October 6, 1976, at the mini campus.
He noted that the historic approval paved the way for the establishment of many central mosques across Ilorin and its environs.
Another elder, Alhaji Mustapha Adeleke Olawuyi, praised pioneer Muslim staff for their sacrifices, noting that although they faced many challenges, they remained steadfast until the community grew into what it is today.
Vice Chancellor of Al-Hikmah University, Prof. Lateef Oladimeji, thanked Allah for granting the opportunity to share their stories. He emphasized that past fathers and mothers played critical roles in shaping individuals who now bear the responsibility of sustaining the community’s future.
Former Amirah of the Women’s Circle, Prof. Sadiqat Nike Ijaya, expressed gratitude to Allah and stated the important role of women within the community. She said the group had upheld the university’s reputation through several humanitarian activities, including outreach to prisons and the School for Persons with Special Needs.
The climax of the evening was the recognition of 64 distinguished honourees carefully selected for their remarkable contributions to the spiritual, academic, and social development of the Muslim community.
According to the Chairman of the Organising Committee, Prof. Adesina Lukman Azeez, the honours were reserved for individuals who played significant roles in nurturing the Muslim community, strengthening the university, and advancing its growth over the past 50 years.
The award categories spanned seven groups: Vice Chancellor, Former Chief Imams, Former Principal Officers, Former Chairmen of the Muslim Community, Leaders and Friends of the Community, Ladies’ Circle, and Posthumous Awards.
As the hall echoed with applause, reflections, and gratitude, one thing became clear, the story of the Unilorin Muslim Community is one of resilience, faith, and teamwork, 50 years strong, and still rising.
