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UI Chief Imam Warns Against Division

The Chief Imam of the University of Ibadan, Professor Ibrahim Olatunde Uthman, has warned Muslim students against actions that could lead to division on campus.

The Chief Imam, represented by Dr. Mikail Abdussalam, delivered the message on Sunday, 29th March, 2026, during the formal opening ceremony of the 2026 Orientation Week organised by the Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria, University of Ibadan (MSSNUI).

Emphasising unity, he urged students 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.

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

“The Muslim community is one, and the only approved student society on campus is the Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria,” he stated.

Dr. Abdussalam explained that although students come from different Islamic backgrounds and organisations, they are expected to operate under a single umbrella within the university environment.

He revealed that previous attempts by groups to operate independently on campus were declined in order to preserve unity.

Clarifying the position, Dr. Abdussalam noted that the decision is not an opposition to any Islamic organisation, but a necessary measure to safeguard the collective strength of Muslim students.

“We are not campaigning against any Muslim organisation, but once the student body is threatened, the entire Muslim community is threatened,” he added.

He further cautioned students against being drawn into group-based affiliations that shift focus away from Islam, urging them to remain committed to unity at all times.