The Vice Chancellor of University of Ilorin, Prof Wahab Egbewole SAN has said that the university has partnered more than 100 universities across the world.
The Vice Chancellor disclosed this during the Media chat and Ramadan Iftar, organised by the University, on Monday in Ilorin.
“Today, we have more than 100 Memorandum of Understanding across the world.
“This is because when I came on board, my management team and I identified the need for memorandum of understanding across the world and extended our Immersion programme,” he said.
Egbewole said that Unilorin would continue to partner with the press and hope they would get all their support as well.
He noted that Unilorin felicitate with brothers and sisters of both Islam and Christianity, in every festive period, in order to move closer to the community, relate and bond together.
“This is one of the essence of Ramadan, that is, our concern to our neighbours, friends and community, in which we share their laughter and pains.
“That is why we decided to meet with the media, along side the community leaders, religious heads and Directors of the University, for interaction and seek their support.
Also Speaking , Dr Musa Siddiq Abdullahi, Deputy Chief Imam, Unilorin Central Mosque emphasised on the importance of Ramadan.
“Almighty Allah said in the holy Quran that we must fast in the month of Ramadan and have the fear of Almighty Allah in her dealings, while fasting.
“We should ask ourselves about our faith in Allah, because sometimes it increase, while sometimes it decrease.
“What is my level of fear in Almighty Allah, is it increasing or decreasing?,” the Chief Imam asked.
Abdullahi said that for someone to know he fears Allah, he must be doing what is good and avoid what is bad.
He further said that Muslims should maintain the good acts they were doing during the month of Ramadan and acquire all the benefit both in the month and after.
“Let us continue to render assistance to the less privileged, avoid problem and say only good things with our mouths,” he said.
The Chief Imam therefore advised Muslims to move closer to Almighty Allah, always assist the needy even after Ramadan, saying that nobody knows whether they would live to experience the next Ramadan.
University of Ilorin organised media chat, Ramadan iftar for journalists, neighbourhood community in Kwara
Beneficiaries of foodstuff distributed by Sheikh Abdullahi Nurudern-Adana, Chairman IMAN
IMAN Chairman, Alhaji Abdullahi Nurudeen-Adana distributes foodstuff to 220 less privileged in Ilorin
By: Mujidat Oyewole
Sheikh Oba Salman-Solagberu, the Chief Imam of the National Mosque, Abuja has called on wealthy Muslims to assist the poor in the society inorder to reduce hardship in the country.
The Chief Imam made the call on Sunday in Ilorin during the distribution of foodstuff to some less privileged in some parts of llorin.
The distribution of the Ramadan package was at the instance of the Chairman of the Islamic Missionaries Association of Nigeria (IMAN), Sheikh Abdullahi Nurudeen-Adana.
Salman-Solagberu cautioned Nigerians against abusing government, both at the state and federal level, saying that they are not in power to share food and money, but to serve and guide the country.
He advised all and sundry to put their trust in Almighty Allah and look on to him for sustenance and mercy.
The Chief Imam urged people to contribute their own quotas to the development of the nation, by assisting people within their reach to live a better life.
“We all have a role to play in making the country a great place, by rendering assistance to the needy.
“We should look inward on what we can do for the less privileged, in order to help them reduce hardship.
“You don’t have to be a millionaire before you can assist people. The little you do within your neighbourhood will go a long way and it will also encourage others to assist.
Earlier in his remarks, the Chairman of IMAN, Sheikh Abdullahi Nurudeen-Adana said that the distribution of the foodstuff to 220 less privileged was for assistance and to reduce hardship in the state.
Nurudern-Adana said that those that benefited from the palliative were the widows, old people, casual workers that cook food for the public during Ramadan and others.
He said that the distribution was a maiden event and prayed that he would be able to continue with the good act, as long as he lives.
“I started in 1988, by cooking Ramadan food for few less privileged in the neighbourhood and realised that many people come to my door step from far away distance.
“I decided to cook in different areas within Ilorin metropolis where people needs support and presently, I cook at eight different neighbourhoods in Ilorin,” he said.
The lMAN Chairman called on the rich to help the needy, by distributing palliatives, provide financial and other source of income to the poor, saying that it’s everybody responsibility to help and not the government alone.
Prof. Wahab Egbewole SAN, Vice-Chancellor, University of Ilorin
By: Mujidat Oyewole
Legal experts have called for an urgent amendment of the constitution and expressed provision for clearly defined scope of the President’s powers in such emergency situations.
This is to prevent a recurrence of the controversy that trailed the recent proclamation of a State of Emergency in Rivers state and the subsequent suspension of all elected officials in the state.
This is contained in a statement issued by Mr Kunle Akogun, Director of Corporate Affairs, University of Ilorin.
According to the statement, the experts made the call on Friday, at a roundtable debate on the “Constitutionality of the Declaration of a State of Emergency in Rivers State”.
“It was organised by the Judicial Resource Cluster (University of Ilorin) and the International Society of Public Law, Nigeria Chapter.
“The debate was held virtually and moderated by Prof. Azubike Omuora-Oguno and Dr. Oluwatosin Igbayiloye, both of the Faculty of Law, University of Ilorin.
The Chairman of the group and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof. Wahab Egbewole, stressed the need for a critical and objective analysis of the issue, free from political or sentimental influences.
He urged participants to focus on legal and academic discourse, rather than partisan debates.
Egbewole said, “We must not be unmindful of what led us to this point, and we must also be mindful of how we navigate this moment to ensure that our democracy survives.
“We must put our best efforts forward as academics,” he said.
The Vice Chancellor stressed that the discussion should not devolve into a blame game.
He, therefore, called for a well-reasoned analysis of the circumstances surrounding the Rivers state crisis and a concerted effort to prevent a similar situation in the future.
Egbewole expressed the hope that the deliberations would result in a working document to aid Nigeria’s democratic development.
Contributing, Prof. Joshua Olatoke, SAN of the Department of Jurisprudence and International Law, University of Ilorin, pointed out that the President’s action was constitutional, according to Sections 305, 45, and 11 of the Nigerian Constitution.
Olatoke noted that the declaration of a state of emergency in Nigeria is not unprecedented, citing historical examples dating back to 1960.
According to him, Governor Siminalayi Fubara was becoming uncontrollable at the time the President made the proclamation.
While noting that there were reports of pipeline bombings and escalating unrest, the Senior Advocate of Nigeria said the President had to act in the interest of national security.
He highlighted the role of godfatherism in the Rivers state crisis, which necessitated the need to address this issue, to prevent similar conflicts in the future.
Olatoke urged politicians to prioritise the welfare of the people, rather than their personal interests.
Similarly, a Professor of Energy and Electricity law at the University of Lagos, Yemi Oke, SAN defended the President’s decision, arguing that it was legally justified under the constitution.
Oke explained that Section 305 exists to address national exigencies, and in the case of Rivers state, all prior attempts to resolve the crisis had failed.
“If we put aside sentiments, there is nothing in Section 305 that the President has not fulfilled.
“Those opposing the action have not proposed a viable alternative.
“Allowing politics to override national security concerns would have been irresponsible,” he said.
The Professor of Energy and Electricity law, however, advocated a constitutional amendment that would clearly outline emergency powers, including provisions that allow the President to assume executive functions without necessarily suspending elected officials.
Another participant, Prof. Iyabode Ogunniran, from the Department of Public Law, University of Lagos argued that while the President’s actions might have been necessary, there is no explicit constitutional provision that allows the suspension of a Governor or legislature under a state of emergency.
She cited Section 305(1)(d), which permits the President to declare a state of emergency when there is an actual breakdown of law and order requiring extraordinary measures.
The Law scholar said, “The crisis in Rivers State, which began in 2023, has seen significant developments, including the Governor demolishing the House of Assembly complex and presenting a budget to only four members instead of the required number against the provision of the constitution.
“There were also reports of pipeline bombings amid the political crisis. Given these factors, the President’s action appears justified”.
She, however, stressed the urgency of amending the constitution to provide clarifications on the scope of emergency powers and the options available to the President in such situations.
She called on the National Assembly to legislate on the matter to prevent future controversies.
Other participants in the debate, however, argued that the President had exceeded his constitutional powers by declaring a state of emergency in Rivers state.
They pointed out that the constitution does not explicitly allow for the suspension of democratically elected officials, except through impeachment.
The Head of Litigation at Gbenga Ojo & Co, Mr. Olugbenga Ojo contended that the provision of the Emergency Acts, Section 11(3), which empowers the President, cannot override the Constitution, nor can it be subservient to its provisions.
Ojo warned that the lack of explicit constitutional provisions could lead to further legal disputes and instability.
While calling for an immediate convention of legal and political stakeholders to amend the constitution and include clear provisions for emergency governance, Ojo stated that the supremacy of the constitution must be upheld.
“If there had been an express provision that allows the President to remove an elected official under emergency conditions, we wouldn’t be facing this controversy,” he stated
Similarly, the Head of Chambers at KB & Company, Mr Kayode Ajiboye underscored the need for constitutional amendments.
Ajiboye also urged legal professionals who work with the politicians to guide their political leaders, based on the dictates of the law rather than personal interests.
“What happened in Rivers state is a result of a personality clash. Politicians must understand that leadership is about serving the people, not personal gain,” he said.
Malam Yusuf Suleiman, Coordinator of Al-Ikhlas Madrasah, Ilorin has called on parents to encourage their children and wards to learn the words of Almighty Allah, in order to live a righteous life.
The Coordinator made the call on Saturday, during the Annual Quran Competition, organised by Al-Ikhlas Schools and Madrash, Ilorin.
He said that parents should always check their children performance at home, by allowing them revise their holy Quran and correct their mistakes.
Suleiman cautioned parents on the act of playing music and singing in the presence of children, both at home and in their private vehicles, saying that it affects their Quran memorization.
He said that the learners that participated in the competition was in accordance with the area they covered during the period of learning.
The Coordinator further said that each learner did exceptionally well by giving out what they were taught and were eager to participate in the competition, just that all of them could not be chosen.
The Coordinator said that those chosen by the judges as best three among their various classes, were among the best learners, while the rest are also good, but needs to be more serious.
He thank Almighty Allah for another opportunity to organise the Quranic competition and making it a successful event.
Suleiman appreciated the effort of the school management and the parents, for their support and understanding.
Malam Abdulwahab Abdulbasit, a Western and Islamic Teacher called on tutors to pay close attention to the learners in order to know their lapses.
He said that Islamic teachers should also have their own self evaluation and lesson on what they are impacting on the students, in order to have a good result from their teachings.
“The teachers need to work on themselves by undertaking more training, in order to progress in their field and be able to impact more knowledge,” the Judge said.
Abdulbasit noted that the students performance had improved, saying that it was an evidence of good teaching and understanding.
He advised learners to be serious with the memorization of their holy Quran, especially with the pronunciation, saying, that they were able to meet up to expectation, but needs to put more effort.
“This is the third time that I will be invited to be one of the judges of the Quranic competition at Al-Ikhlas Schools, Ilorin and it has been a memorable one.
“The learners are improving very well. The learners performance this year is better than the last competition I attended,” he said.
Quran Recitation Competition at Al-Ikhlas Schools, Ilorin
Kwara government has expressed its readiness to collaborate with the National Association of Educational Administration and Planning (NAEAP), to enhance the administration and planning of tertiary education in the state.
The Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Hajia Sa’adatu Modibbo-Kawu stated this while receiving members of NAEAP, during a courtesy visit to her office.
She emphasized government’s commitment to improve the education sector, noting that Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s administration has prioritized policies that strengthen tertiary education and ensure access to quality learning.
“The state government is open to strategic partnerships that will complement our efforts in improving tertiary education.
“We welcome NAEAP’s expertise in educational administration and planning, especially in areas of capacity building, policy formulation, and institutional governance,” Commissioner said.
Modibbo-Kawu commended NAEAP for its dedication to advancing educational management and assured the team of the state’s willingness to explore meaningful collaborations that align with its development goals.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Association, Dr. Muritala Tuku said that NAEAP is committed to promoting excellence in educational administration, planning, and policy implementation.
The Chairman explained that the association plays a crucial role in strengthening the governance of educational institutions across Nigeria, through research, advocacy and capacity-building initiatives.
Tuku stated that NAEAP seeks to support Kwara government in improving the efficiency and effectiveness of tertiary education institutions.
He emphasized the need for continuous professional development for educational administrators, the integration of data-driven decision-making in policy formulation and the adoption of global best practices in managing higher institutions.
“We recognize the giant strides the state government is making in the education sector and we are eager to contribute our expertise to further enhance the quality of tertiary education in Kwara.
“Through collaboration, we can strengthen educational policies, develop innovative solutions to sectoral challenges and ensure that the education system remains responsive to societal needs,” Tuku said.
Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Hajia Sa’adatu Modibbo-Kawu
Hajia Sa’adatu Modibbo-Kawu, Commissioner for Tertiary Education in Kwara has said that the state government is committed to improve educational sector.
The Commissioner reaffirmed government’s commitment towards achieving quality education in the state.
Modibbo-Kawu made the statement while receiving a delegation from the Colleges of Education Academic Staff Union (COEASU), led by its Chairman, Comrade Yahaya Muhammed Ndagi, in her office, on Thursday, in Ilorin.
She emphasized that the present administration aim to improve educational sector, saying that, part of the plan was the establishment of the Kwara State University of Education, Ilorin.
According to her, establishment of the Kwara State University of Education is a proof of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s passion for quality education.
“This administration is committed to creating more opportunities for higher learning.
“We will ensure that students and academic staff benefit from a well-structured and forward-thinking educational system,” the Commissioner assured.
Modibbo-Kawu noted that the state government has started taking all necessary steps to address the concerns of COEASU and the entire college community.
According to her, the Governor appreciates the contributions of the academic staff and remains committed to their professional growth and the development of the educational institutions in the state.
The Commissioner said that Governor AbdulRazaq was known for his proactive and responsive leadership, saying that he would attend to all the union’s requests accordingly.
Earlier, the Chairman of COEASU, Comrade Ndagi expressed gratitude to the state government, for the prompt payment of salaries and allowances.
Ndagi said that the good development contributed to the smooth academic operations of the college.
The Chairman, however, used the opportunity to highlight several pressing issues that requires immediate attention, particularly the status of the Kwara State College of Education, Ilorin.
He said that the status which should be in line with the establishment of the Kwara State University of Education.
Ndagi further stressed the need for a clear transition framework and the urgency of addressing leadership vacancies, among other concerns.
The National Universities Commission (NUC) officially recognized the university on July 30, 2024, marking it as the 64th state-owned university and 274th in Nigeria.
While in November 2024, Governor AbdulRazaq inaugurated the university’s Governing Council and appointed Professor Shuaib Oba AbdulRaheem as its Chairman and pro-Chancellor, facilitating the institution’s official take off.
Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Hajiya Sa’adatu Modibbo-Kawu
The Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari has rejoiced with the Balogun Alanamu of Ilorin Emirate, Alhaji Usman Atolagbe-Jos on the attainment of the rank of Associate Professor.
This is contained in a goodwill message issued by the Emir’s Spokesman, Malam Abdulazeez Arowona on Wednesday, in Ilorin.
Sulu-Gambari described Balogun Alanamu as a traditional chief and an academician with ‘excellence’ and ‘valour’.
“You are indeed a true reflection of Town and Gown.”
“I specially congratulate the Balogun Alanamu of Ilorin Emirate, Prof. Usman Atolagbe Jos on the attainment of his new status in his academic career,” he said.
The Emir noted that as an Associate Professor of Mathematics, at the University of Ilorin, the feat has further confirmed Balogun Alanamu’s commitment to scholarship, mentorship, community growth and national development.
Sulu-Gambari therefore prayed that Almighty Allah will continue to strengthen the Associate Professor to the meritorious service of the nation and humanity in general.
He, however, thanked the authority of the University of Ilorin for finding Atolagbe-Jos among other beneficiaries, worthy of the enviable rank.
The Emir urged the new Associate Professor not to relent in his efforts of promoting and preserving the rich cultural heritage of Ilorin Emirate.
The best compliment I have recieved is “GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR CHILDREN”
Compliments are always given freely from the heart, with happiness and satisfaction towards assistance or services rendered.
It is always good to go extra mile in helping people, although, not to the detriment of hurting yourself or over doing things.
Helping others is just like helping yourself, because what goes around, comes back around. This is just the philosophy of life that has been in existence since day one of the earth.
The satisfaction of making people happy, putting a smile on people’s face and being remembered for good.
Let us always do good and make people happy always.
Yesterday, I watched a movie on the African Magic Yoruba and saw how a little girl got to know about a hidden secret about his life when she had access to the Internet. It resulted in a turmoil that almost ruined her life.
It starts with assignments now. The children claim they want to use phones for assignments. When you give them an inch, they take a yard. Do you think you should give them a phone or allow them to use your own to limit their access to certain apps on the phone?
I must confess that I struggled with a decision on when my boys should use the phone. We started with some educational gadgets and then they mounted pressure on me that they needed phones. It was an intense pressure and we had to engage in a lot of conversation before I got them phones.
I respect parents who refuse to give their children phones until they leave the Secondary School. I didn’t achieve that. I wanted to, but I failed. However, I am consoled by the fact that they didn’t abuse it. I am not saying you should expose your little children to certain apps on the phone. If you can fight the pressure, please do.
The Internet has become a rough street where people’s minds are compromised. It is a street that has no regulations, where people use the most inappropriate words and do the unthinkable. It has become a place where consciences are led astray and where wrong teachings and mentalities are dished out mindlessly.
So it is most advisable that children are allowed to form a strong character and capable of resisting certain orientations before being exposed to the Internet. When you take the risk of giving your child a phone, also accept the task of controlling how he or she uses it. Check his activities on the Internet. Check those she is relating with on the Internet. Tell him what he cannot do and why. Tell her those she can’t communicate with . Let them know how they shouldn’t trust any stranger on that rough street.
I remembered how some people attempted to lure my second son out on Facebook. He immediately brought it to my notice and it was foiled. The general principle is to build a relationship with your children. It is not only children that are vulnerable on the Internet. Unguarded adults fall prey too and are destroyed on that dangerous and dirty street.
Raise children who will tell you anything. Nothing is unimportant. Let them tell you anything. Create time to listen to them. Give them the impression that they are your priorities. Listen to them even when you are tired else you will be tired of the trouble that will come from not listening to them. Guide them with love and understanding. Don’t always force rules down their throats. Listen to them too and get to know how they think and the things that are important to them.
Let them know how to dismiss intruders. They might not be able to reach you always. Let them know what to do when they can’t reach you temporarily. I have said it here and will say it again: parenting is a full time job. You have no job if you don’t parent 24 hours a day. Make it your most important job if you want to rest at your old age.
The honest reality is that we can no longer shut out our children from the Internet. What we need to do is to give them a thorough orientation. A friend was telling me how he had succeeded in ensuring that his son wasn’t on Facebook. I laughed because his son is already my Facebook friend. He opened Facebook on his friend’s phone without his dad knowing about it.
Be intentional about giving them orientation on how to conduct themselves on the Internet. Let them know that the Internet is also a street where fake people live. Interact with them extensively on how they should and shouldn’t behave on that street.
Parenting is a serious business. Your children’s future depends on how much you invest in their character. If they prove smart, belt up and be smarter. Work hard to keep them within your orientation. If you can no longer stop them, guide them.
May God not allow our children to get lost on the streets of the Internet.
Please remember to share with us how you handled your children’s use of phones.
