The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lagos, Professor Folasade T, Ogunsola, OON, FAS has expressed appreciation to the leadership of the University Muslim Community (UMC) for their prayers and support, despite the challenges of the year 2023.
Professor Ogunsola made this remark while delivering her address at the Special Ju’maat Service/Prayer held at the UNILAG Central Mosque on Friday, January 12, 2024. The Special Ju’maat Service is in continuation of activities lined up to mark the 54th Convocation Ceremonies of the University.
She was accompanied by other members of Management including the Deputy Vice-Chancellors (Development Services) Professor Ayodele Atsenuwa; (Academic and Research) Professor Bola Oboh; Acting Registrar, Mrs. Olakunle Makinde; Bursar, Mrs. Oluwafunlola Y. Adekunle, University Librarian, Professor Yetunde Zaid; Director Academic Planning, Professor Olusoji Mathew Ilori, and Director, Quality Assurance and SERVICOM, Professor Olufemi Muibi Saibu.
On hand to receive the University’s helmswoman and her entourage were University Muslim Community (UMC) executive officers led by the Chairman, Professor Abdul-Hakeem Olaniyan. Other members of the ummah including Vice-Chairman (II), Professor Alabi Sebili Soneye; Emeritus Professor, Olayide Mojeed Abbas; Professor Adebayo Ninalowo, Professor Adeola Sulaiman, Professor Adesina Fatai Badru, Dr. Lateef Alani Odekunle; Professor Khalid Adekoya; Professor Musa Obalola, Professor Lukman Adams, Professor Lukman Adeoti, Professor Hakeem Amuda, Mr. Afolabi Yusuf, Mr. Kehinde Onakoya, Arc. Olaide Oladokun, Alhaja. Dr. Egberongbe, Professor Hikmot Koleso, Dr. Taofikat Abosede Adesalu amongst many others.
Her words, “We are here as Management to appreciate the support of the Muslim Community of our University. We recognize the importance of our religious communities. Your prayers have assisted in fostering peaceful co-existence and mutually beneficial relationships within the university community.”
Professor Ogunsola noted that the provision of scholarships and welfare packages to students by the UMC continues to mitigate the impact of the current economic realities.
It was on this premise that she cited Theodore Roosevelt’s maxim to drive home her point, “In a moment of decision, the best thing you can do is the right thing to do, the next best thing is the wrong thing, and the worst thing you can do is nothing”.
The Vice-Chancellor used the occasion to inform the congregation of the valuable strides being made by the institution in line with her FUTURE-READY Agenda that includes growing finances, infrastructure, reputation, and manpower.
On the prospect of a ‘Renovate, Operate and Transfer’ of a hostel project by the UMC, she commended the leadership of the Muslim community and seized the opportunity to solicit their continued support “in providing innovative ideas that will birth the University of our dreams in service to God and humanity”.
The Chairman of the UNILAG Muslim Community (UMC), Prof. Abdul-Hakeem Olaniyan thanked the Vice-Chancellor for the thoughtful leadership being demonstrated in office. He sought the support of the Vice-Chancellor in the actualization of UMC projects.
He assured that “the UMC will continue to show support in whatever way it can to the leadership of the institution.”
In separate remarks, the three UMC Imams: Dr. Bashir Abdul-Raheem, Dr. Mustafa Ibrahim, and Professor Tajuddeen Yusuff offered prayers for the Vice-Chancellor, University, and Nigeria, as the Convocation Ceremonies go into full swing on Monday, January 15, 2024.
Thereafter, the Clerics also offered prayers for the late first Imam at the UNILAG Mosque and Chairman, Executive Council of Lagos Central Mosque, Sheikh Abdul-Hafeez Abou who died on Tuesday, January 9, 2024, at the age of 101.
The Centenarian, who was a distinguished Islamic Scholar from a noble lineage of Imams, was the first Imam to deliver a sermon at the University Mosque on October 15, 1985.
Report: Bayo Salau
Photographs: Bayo Salau
