It was a memorable gathering when the University of Lagos Muslim Community (UMC), decided to host and honour retirees as well as some members of staff both in the Teaching and Non-Teaching cadre who recently got elevated in the university.
The event which was held inside the Islamic Centre Hall, UNILAG Central Mosque on Friday, July 28, 2023, included a special Juma’at prayer session as part of activities lined up for the day in the presence of family and friends.
It also witnessed the commissioning of the newly built Islamic Center that will continuously play an active role in the guidance of the muslim community, as well as providing a venue for Muslims to meet one another on religious occasions.
The retirees included a former Dean of Management Services and current Pro-Chancellor at the Lagos State University of Science and Technology, Ikorodu, Professor Rasheed Ojikutu; two renowned Professors of Sociology, Prof. Lai Olurode, and Prof. Adebayo Ninalowo; and a former Deputy Librarian in the university, Alhaja Halimat Egberongbe.
The elevated members of staff include the recently elected Deans of Faculties of Arts and Management Sciences, Prof. Musadiru Ilupeju and Professor Abdul-Hameed Adeola Sulaimon; Prof. Alabi Soneye, who is the outgoing Dean, School of Postgraduate Studies; Director of CITS , Professor Hakeem Amuda; and Professor Hikmot Koleoso who is the first Muslim woman to be appointed as professor in Estate Management in the Faculty of Environmental Sciences.
Speaking at the event, Chairman of the occasion and the eleventh Vice-Chancellor of the university, Professor Rahaman Adisa Bello, FAEng described the occasion as a reward for excellence and dedication to duty by the retirees and other elevated staff.
The immediate past Chairman of UMC, on behalf of the entire Ummah, also praised the honourees for the selfless service rendered to the university.
“They are outstanding educationists and administrators per excellence with the way they have managed human and material resources within their means to achieve great feats.” He also commended the UMC for deeming it fit to honour its members.
While speaking on behalf of the recipients, Prof Lai Olurode thanked the UMC for honoring them. He used the opportunity to reiterate the need for Muslims to set achievable goals and have clear visions in their mundane and religious lives.
The former National Commissioner for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) described vision and teamwork as essentials for individual and organisational achievement.
Earlier, the Chief Imam of UMC, Professor Ismail Musa urged Muslims to improve on their weaknesses, capitalise on their strengths and leverage abounding opportunities in the society.
Other eminent Muslims that were present at the event were the wife of a former Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Academics, Alhaja Abbas; immediate past Chief Imam, Professor Murtala Bidmos; Chairman of the UMC, Professor Hakeem Olaniyan, first Vice-Chairman, Professor Wakeel Ishola, Director of the International Relations, Partemrship and Prospect, Professor Ismail Ibrahim; Dr. Taofikat Adesalu, Professor Lukman Adeoti amongst many others.
