Cross-section of faithfuls at the Special Jumaat Thanksgiving Service.

The University’s Muslim Community has promised to work together with other stakeholders for the sustenance of peace and overall progress of the institution even as it congratulated and commended the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Olusola Oyewole on a fruitful one year in office.

The Amir and Chief Imam of the community, Dr. Taofiq Salisu and Dr. Idris Ayinde, respectively made the promise while speaking at a special Jumaat Thanksgiving Service marking Professor Oyewole’s first year in office.

Welcoming the Vice-Chancellor and his entourage to the service, held at the FUNAAB Central Mosque, the Amir, Dr. Salisu said, “We are not here to eulogise but we can see that in the last one year, FUNAAB rose in ranking among others. We pray Allah to take FUNAAB to greater heights”.

“However, the Islamic Community has done its bit in the past and we shall continue to do our bit. We will work with other stakeholders to ensure that peace reigns in this community”, he added.

Speaking further, the Amir, who also doubles as pioneer University Librarian pointed out that “obeying the authorities, that is, obeying the Vice-Chancellor is an injunction from Allah, we shall continue to obey you because you’ve been doing justice and as such, you have started well”.

He stressed, “Allah commends justice, He hates rebellion, you should not find a Muslim where there is violence”.

Dr. Salisu, however, solicited the support of the institution in building the Community Mosque disclosing that all the while, commitment to the project had been only through efforts of the Muslim community.

In his Exhortation, the Chief Imam of the community, Dr. Ayinde noted with joy when he said “You are the second Vice-Chancellor who is not a Muslim that has demonstrated this gesture of brother hood” (Sense of belonging).

He stressed, “We thank Allah you are our home grown product and my Project Leader for six years”.

Speaking further, the Chief Imam admonished, “that you are a Vice-Chancellor now is a test on you, beware of sycophants because they will want you to overstep your bound as human beings. Do your best according to the voice of God”.

He advised Professor Oyewole that “a wise leader benefits from constructive criticism but destructive ones you should overlook. Guide yourself against the pitfall of success, attribute success to God”.

Addressing the Muslim Community, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Olusola Oyewole said, “I am a father to all, as Vice-Chancellor. A father to Christians and a father to Moslems. When it comes to religion, I’m blind. I look at the God who is in your life, I don’t relate with people on the basis of religion”.

He stressed that “I will continue to be fair to all by sustaining the path of truth and justice. I have made a personal commitment that I won’t steal any kobo.”

Professor Oyewole thanked the Muslim Community for contributing immensely to the success of his administration in the last one year, adding that he’s looking for a better cooperation in the years ahead.

He commended the pioneer Vice-Chancellor and a patriot of the Muslim community, Professor Nurudeen ‘Nimbe Adedipe for the great work he did. I witnessed the travails he went through during the formation of the University, yet he kept focus”.

Professor Oyewole promised to contribute his personal resources to the building of the community mosque.