The Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Professor Wahab Olasupo Egbewole (SAN), has reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to eradicating cultism among its students, stating that the university maintains a zero-tolerance policy towards cultism.
Speaking at a joint Iftar (breaking of fast) event, where he hosted journalists, members of the university’s Muslim community, the Committee of Provosts and Deans, Directors of Units, and students, the Vice Chancellor attributed his administration’s success in maintaining a cultism-free institution and a peaceful academic environment to the synergy between security personnel, management, students, and other stakeholders.
He reassured the university community that the administration remains committed to ensuring the safety of all students and staff.
Professor Egbewole said: “As a university, we have our unique strategies. Since cultism is a security issue, our strategies remain dynamic. You will agree with me that we eradicated cultism from our university more than two decades ago, and it remains so because we have a security architecture that is working. We have a crop of responsible and responsive student bodies, a very effective Student Affairs Unit, and, of course, a zero-tolerance policy for cultism as a university.”
The Vice Chancellor explained the significance of the 2025 Ramadan Iftar programme, highlighting its inclusivity in uniting all university stakeholders, regardless of religious affiliation.
He stated that this year’s event was particularly unique, as the university expanded its reach to engage not only with the media but also with the Muslim community, the Committee of Provosts and Deans, Directors of various units, and other members of the university.
He also emphasised that the university provides accommodation for various religious groups, pointing out: “As a community, we provide accommodation for various religious divisions. Every religion is accommodated within our community, making our university unique.”
Professor Egbewole added: “I don’t think there is any university in Nigeria that does what we do. Every Christmas, we felicitate with our Christian brothers and sisters, and during the Ileya festival, they celebrate with the Muslim Ummah.”
Speaking on the university’s internationalisation agenda, Professor Egbewole assured his audience that the process is well on course and outlined key initiatives undertaken since he assumed office.
He mentioned efforts to sign more Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with universities across the world, strengthen the institution’s immersion programme, and upgrade the Centre for International Education (CIE). He added that the university currently has over 100 MoUs with institutions across different continents.
In a sermon delivered at the Iftar programme, the Chief Imam of the UNILORIN Central Mosque, represented by the Deputy Chief Imam, Dr Musa Siddiq Abdullahi, urged Muslims to sustain the lessons of Ramadan, which include endurance, fear of Almighty Allah, and consistently providing food for the needy.
Challenging the audience to reflect on their devotion beyond Ramadan, the Imam asked: “As we move away from the month of Ramadan, are we going to be among those who fast only because of Ramadan, or among those who observe fasting because of their fear of Allah?”
According to him, “During Ramadan, everyone observed the virtues as ordained by Allah, but true devotion is reflected in one’s ability to sustain those good deeds beyond Ramadan.”
Dr Abdullahi, who is a lecturer in the Department of Arts Education, urged Muslims to continue practising self-discipline, guard their tongues, always speak what is good, share with the needy, refrain from fights, and avoid all forms of wrongdoing to ensure that their fasting is accepted.
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