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Interview: “The old bus brought tears to some of us" — Awwal Elabor, Former MSSNUI AMO

Awwal Elabor, a recent graduate of the Department of Linguistics and African Languages and the immediate past Assets Maintenance Officer (AMO 1) of the Muslim Students' Society of Nigeria, University of Ibadan (MSSNUI), shares his inspiring academic journey and invaluable experience with MSSNUI in this interview. From overcoming personal challenges to taking on leadership roles, Awwal reflects on the defining moments that shaped his university experience, the lessons he learnt, and how his involvement with MSSNUI played a significant role in his personal and academic growth.

Brief us on your academic journey as a student of Linguistics and African Languages.

After being denied admission three times while trying to study Law in different universities, my dad advised me to consider Linguistics, and that was how the journey began. In 100 level, I stayed in Bello Hall with my very good friend, Kasali Abeeb. Together, we formed a group called “INNER CIRCLE,” which comprised all the Muslim students in our department. We studied in almost every reading room on campus because we were determined not to fail. By the end of 100 level, I had a CGPA of 3.60. In 200 level, my friend and I were no longer staying together—he was in Indy while I lived in Agbowo. However, we would always meet at the Central Mosque to study. That year, I earned a scholarship, but my CGPA dropped slightly to 3.51. 300 level came with its own challenges. Although I got another scholarship, my CGPA dropped again to 3.43. Eventually, I graduated with a solid Second Class Upper, and I was genuinely happy—especially because my friend, Kasali, graduated with a First Class and emerged as the BGS of my department. Looking back, I feel truly blessed to have been surrounded by such devoted and inspiring Muslim friends throughout my university journey. May Allah bless them all. Greater things ahead, in shaa Allah.

Share some of your most memorable experiences as a member and executive of MSSNUI.

As a member and executive of MSSNUI, I had numerous memorable experiences that left a lasting impact on me. Every moment spent serving the Muslim students on campus was not only fulfilling but also incredibly rewarding. One of the most memorable experiences occurred during my first journey as an exco. We travelled to Saki at night for a meeting, and I was entrusted with driving. It was my first time going to Saki, and I must admit, I felt a bit apprehensive. However, I was determined and trusted that Allah would keep us safe throughout the journey. This experience reinforced the importance of relying on Allah’s guidance, especially when faced with unfamiliar situations.

Another unforgettable moment was when we had the privilege of visiting some of our esteemed fathers. Listening to their stories and learning about their experiences from childhood was both humbling and inspiring. One visit that stood out particularly was to Prof. S.H.A Malik. His words and the wisdom he shared had a profound effect on me, reshaping my perspective on life. I highly encourage future executives to visit such remarkable individuals. Their experiences are invaluable and offer life-changing lessons.

Additionally, I cannot forget the night we received our new bus. It felt like a dream come true. The challenges we faced with the old bus were many, and it even brought tears to some of us. The arrival of the new bus was a great relief, and we were overjoyed. May Allah bless the donor and ease his affairs.

Serving as an exco in our esteemed society was truly a unique experience. You're not just a student when holding that position—you become a student entrusted by Allah with the responsibility of leading and serving fellow students. May Allah bless everyone who has served in that position and contributed to the unity we share as Muslim students on campus.

Were there any challenges or difficulties you faced during your time with MSSNUI? How did you overcome them?

Well, when dealing with people, there will always be differences. I remember a particular incident during my time as AMO 1. A brother came to me after our Thursday Spiritual Night Programme, saying his phone was locked inside the mosque. At that moment, I was folding the mats, so I asked him to help me continue while I went to get his phone. Surprisingly, he refused and began insulting me for telling him to fold mats. I felt hurt, but I still went ahead to retrieve his phone. The next day, I greeted him with Teslim, and from that moment, we became friends. That experience was a test of patience and sincerity. But when you do something for the sake of Allah, there’s no room for regret—because Allah is the Most Merciful and the Most Forgiving.

Another challenge I faced was when I served as the Chairman of the Jihad Week Committee and also as the Secretary of OWC. Wallohi, I used to find it extremely difficult to approach people and ask for money. Naturally, I’m a reserved person. But being in those leadership roles meant I had to step out of my comfort zone. We needed funds for the success of our programs, so I pushed myself—and by Allah’s mercy, things became easier. The programs were successful, and today, I no longer struggle with approaching people. Alhamdulillah.

How did your academic pursuits intersect with your involvement with MSSNUI? Were there any skills or knowledge you gained through your studies that you were able to apply to your role with the society?

Wow! People often ask me, “How does studying Linguistics relate to fixing speakers, minor car issues, sockets, and all that techy stuff?” Some even still don't believe I’m not from the Faculty of Technology! But honestly, I think the better question should be: How did MSSN help me while studying Linguistics? As a language student or Language Doctor, as I always tell my Oasis family, my knowledge isn't limited to phonetics, phonology, syntax, and all those core linguistic areas. Thanks to Sociolinguistics and everything MSSN exposed me to, I’ve developed strong people skills, leadership abilities, and practical problem-solving skills. In other words, I’ve been trained not just to study language, but to understand people and fit into any role I find myself in. Whether it’s organizing events, solving technical issues, or managing a team. All these and more I applied in the cause of my service to our dear esteemed Society.

Apart from your involvement with MSSNUI, were you engaged in any other extracurricular activities or hobbies during your time at the university?

As someone with a flair for journalism, I joined AFAS Press in 100 level. From there, the journey took off—I became the Managing Editor in 200 level, Health Editor in 300 level, and General Editor in 400 level. I was also a proud member of UCJ.

Public speaking? I’ve always loved it! I joined the Literary and Debating (LnD) Organisations in Bello Hall and my faculty. I wasn’t the most active member, but I joined because I wanted to master public speaking and, of course, speak at JawWar. Well, I did speak at JawWar—not as a speaker, but as the Time Keeper. A win is a win!

And yes, my hobbies? I love driving, and when it comes to football, I was the Ronaldo of my department’s team. No debates!

How did you strike a balance between your academic responsibilities, your duties as an executive of MSSNUI, and your other activities?

I always had this mindset: I'm a student first, and everything else comes second, including the society. With that, I made it a point to give priority to my academics while still being committed to other engagements. Before becoming an executive, I had a strict reading schedule that I followed. But when I took up leadership responsibilities, I had to restrategize and find a system that worked for me. During exam periods, I’d leave my place at Agbowo and move into the Central Mosque. I had a personal space there with a table where I studied. If any society task came up, I’d quickly handle it and get right back to my books. By Allah’s mercy, I didn’t fail at either end.

If you were given the opportunity to go back and do something differently, what would that be?

If I had the opportunity to go back and do something differently, I would have started intentionally building professional skills much earlier—skills like project management, software development, and networking. While I gained a lot through my leadership roles and academics, I now realize how valuable it is to align experiences with long-term career goals from the very beginning. That said, I'm grateful for the journey so far. Every step, including the missteps, has contributed to who I am today, and I'm better positioned to guide others to be more proactive in their growth.

How do you think your experiences with MSSNUI and your academic background will shape your future plans and goals?

Alhamdulillah, serving in various capacities within MSSN UI has equipped me with invaluable leadership skills—especially in relating with people from diverse backgrounds and honing my problem-solving abilities.

Academically, I’ve earned my pàlí (first degree) from the University of Ibadan, and I intend to pursue a master’s degree in Forensic Linguistics while continuing my journey in Tech, in shaa Allah.

On a spiritual level, MSSNUI greatly shaped me and deepened my thirst for Islamic knowledge. I vividly remember a particular meeting where Ameer Musa Sodiq emphasized the importance of seeking knowledge, reminding us that it is what we know that we will use to nurture our children. Since then, I’ve taken my Hifdh classes more seriously. May Allah ease the journey for me. Ameen.

What advice would you like to give to other students aspiring to achieve similar feats?

Similar feats? No, they should strive to do even better. As I always tell my friends, it is a great disservice to be privileged as a Muslim student in the university and not strive to contribute meaningfully to the propagation of Islam. The university environment can either make or mar a person, and the truth is, you can't be fully involved in MSSNUI and not grow both spiritually and academically.

I've heard many Muslim students say things like, "I don't want to join MSSN" or "I just want to face my books." What they don't realize is that MSSNUI doesn't require a membership form. Simply being a Muslim and a student of the University makes you a full member of the society. MSSNUI's core aim is the welfare of every Muslim student. The Central Executive Council and other arms of the society spend countless sleepless nights ensuring that students receive the best—academically, spiritually, and socially. As a Muslim student, if you fail to engage in MSSN activities, you are already at a loss, and I hope you don't later regret it.

We now know that having a degree alone is no longer enough. The university is a place to find your career path. Whatever skill or interest you have—start it in school. If you want to start a business, begin in school. If you want to be a software engineer while studying Agriculture, start while you're still in school. This is because, in university, you'll meet people and access platforms that can shape your future. Also, participate in extracurricular activities while focusing on your primary assignment: your academics. So, dear students, strive for excellence in every area. The sky is your starting point. May Allah ease your journey and grant you success. Bārakallāhu fīkum.

Thank you for your time. Jaza'kumullahu khayran.