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Speakers Charge Freshers to Pursue Excellence, Uphold Islamic Values

Speakers at the formal opening ceremony of the 2026 Orientation Week of the Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria, University of Ibadan (MSSNUI), have charged freshers to pursue academic excellence, uphold good character and conduct, and remain united as Muslims.

Delivering the keynote address, Professor Afis Ayinde Oladosu of the Department of Arabic and Islamic Studies, University of Ibadan, urged the students to uphold moral discipline and take responsibility as representatives of Islam on campus.

Speaking on the theme, “Basis Ordinis”, the don emphasised that the ultimate foundation of order is Allah, noting that everything that happens to individuals is by His divine will.

He encouraged the students to remain grateful to Allah and mindful of their conduct as Muslims navigating campus life.

Prof. Oladosu identified four key domains that students must carefully guard and manage: their imagination, heart, tongue and sexual conduct.

He explained that students must exercise discipline in what they watch, listen to, say and consume, while also controlling their actions and relationships.

“Watch what you hear. Watch what you say. Watch what goes into your mouth and what comes out of it,” he advised.

The keynote speaker cautioned against immoral relationships and irresponsible behaviour.

He further encouraged proper dressing, responsible use of mobile phones and consistent prayers for parents.

He urged the fresh students to remain conscious of their actions at all times, stressing that discipline and self-regulation are essential for success both academically and spiritually.

Also speaking, the Secretary to the Oyo State Government, Professor Musibau Adetunji Babatunde, advised the freshers to define their path early and work towards excellence with focus and determination.

He warned them against distractions and negative activities such as secret societies, examination malpractice, cybercrime and substance abuse.

Professor Babatunde also stressed the importance of personal safety, advising students to avoid unnecessary late nights and always keep their colleagues informed of their movements.

He further noted the impressive academic performance of female students and urged male students to rise to the challenge.

In her remarks, the Vice-Chancellor of Fountain University, Osogbo, Professor Olayinka Ramota Karim, represented by Prof. Moriam Dasola Adeoye, urged the students to prepare for the challenges of university life.

She said their journey on campus would test them intellectually, spiritually and socially, while also shaping their values and identity.

“The lessons we learn here go beyond lectures and examinations. They extend to the management of your time, the cultivation of your character and the choices you make in every aspect of your life,” she said.

She particularly encouraged the female students, stressing that faith can coexist with ambition and that it is possible to maintain a strong Islamic identity while excelling academically and socially.

Also addressing the freshers, Hon. Justice Misitura Bolaji-Yusuf, a Justice of the Court of Appeal, charged them to improve themselves in knowledge, character and conduct during their stay on campus.

Speaking as Mother of the Day, the jurist reminded the students that admission into universities, especially first-class institutions, has become highly competitive, and urged them to make good use of the opportunity of being among the selected few admitted.

“Your knowledge must improve. Your character must improve. Your conduct in every way must speak before you open your mouth to say that you are a product of this university,” she said.

She noted that the world outside the university is highly competitive, adding that whatever the students make of the privilege and opportunity given to them would, to a large extent, determine their path in life and how easily they succeed.

Speaking as the Royal Father of the Day, the Akire of Ikire-Ile, Osun State, His Royal Majesty, Oba Abdulazeez Adebamiji Olatunbosun, urged freshers to maximise their opportunities and uphold good character.

He warned against misusing the privilege of university admission, encouraged faith and perseverance, and noted that good character shapes friendships and relationships with lecturers.

He also cautioned against envy of peers who acquire wealth through illegal means, and stressed the need for planning and job creation.

The Dean of Students, University of Ibadan, Professor Demola Lewis, also assured the freshers of the support available to them within the Muslim community and the wider university system.

“You are in good hands with your mentors in the Muslim community, as well as with your leaders and executives,” he said.

Prof. Lewis commended the Muslim community, especially the Muslim students, for their consistent academic excellence over the years, attributing their success to discipline and dedication.

He further revealed that measures are already being taken to ensure that imams of the various mosques are not restricted from praying for Muslim students at their halls of residence.

The Dean also advised the fresh students to take their medical registrations seriously, seek medical care when necessary and adhere to instructions given by healthcare practitioners.

He added that the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Kayode Adebowale, congratulated the freshers and wished them a rewarding stay on campus.

On his part, the Chief Imam of the University of Ibadan, Professor Ibrahim Olatunde Uthman, represented by Dr. Mikail Abdussalam, warned Muslim students against actions that could lead to division on campus.

He urged them to adhere strictly to the Qur’anic command of holding firmly to the rope of Allah and avoiding fragmentation.

“The message of the Imam is that every one of you must remain united. It is compulsory for you not to be fragmented,” he said.

Dr. Abdussalam stressed that the Muslim community would not tolerate any attempt to create separate Muslim student organisations on campus, noting that such moves threaten the unity of Islam among students.

He explained that although students may come from different Islamic backgrounds and organisations, they are expected to operate under a single umbrella within the university environment through the Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria.

He added that the decision was not aimed at opposing any Islamic organisation, but rather at preserving the collective strength and unity of Muslim students on campus.

Also speaking, the Chairperson of the University of Ibadan Muslim Community (UIMC) Students' Advisory Committee, Professor Bolatito Lanre-Abass, stressed the importance of unity, moral identity, and self-development.

She noted that peer pressure can be positive or negative, urged students to regularly examine themselves to avoid derailing, and cautioned against relenting due to a poor family background.

She called on students to be good representatives of Islam, maintain a strong moral identity beyond academic excellence, and prepare early for their future careers.

Other distinguished personalities present were Prof. Rashid Aderinoye, Prof. Yinusa Raji, and Prof. Sherifah Balogun, among others.