It is a new dawn for the Muslim community of the prestigious University of Lagos, Akoka, Lagos, as the management inaugurated the new executives of the Muslim Students Society of Nigeria (MSSN), UNILAG branch for the 2018/2019 academic session.
The new executives, led by the Amir (President), Mr Hassan Salahudeen were formally unveiled at a ceremony which was well attended by the representatives of the university management, the Muslim Community, MSSN Lagos State Area Unit, the previous executives of the branch and students.
Mr Salaudeen, a 500 Level Systems Engineering student and his 15-man executive committee will paddle the affairs of the Muslim students body for the next academic year.
Some of the executives include Shittu Farooq, Naibul Amir (Admin); Agbelekale Jafar, Naibul Amir (Dawa’h); Oyekanmi Bilal, General Secretary; Sumayyah Taiwo and Hamnah AbdurRazaq, Amirah (female president) and Naibatul Amirah (Vice female president) respectively.
The Muslim Community, led by Prof Lai Olurode, has also appointed Dr Ismail Musa of the Islamic Studies (Education) Department as the Chief Imam of the 57 year old institution.
Muslim News’ findings revealed that the newly appointed Chief Imam will be installed and presented with his staff of office tomorrow, Friday, March 15 immediately after Jum’ah service, around 3 pm.
In a roll call released by the Public Relations Officer of the UNILAG Muslim Community (UMC), Mr. Yusuf Afolabi; the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Unilag Governing Council, Dr. Wale Babalakin (SAN) will chair the event, the Baba Adini of Lagos, Sheikh Afis Abou, will perform the turbanning ceremony, while the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Oluwatoyin Ogundipe will be the Chief Guest of Honour.
Speaking at the inauguration of the MSSN Executives, the Chairman, UNILAG Muslim Community (UMC), Prof. Lai Olurode admonished them not to lose focus in the course of discharging their duties.
“Learning is your primary responsibility. Maintain the exceptional standards that the profound Muslim scholars are noted for throughout your stay in the university,” he said.
He urged the executives to build on the foundation and successes of the outgone executives of the branch, adding that they should distinguish themselves in their respective fields of study.
“Develop a sense of volunteering. Start thinking of many things to make the society excel. Let people see goodness from you because of your Islam,” he stated.
The new Amir, Mr Salahudeen Hassan, in his inaugural speech, promised that his administration will improve on the successes of the past administration and operate within the ambience of accountability and quality leadership.
According to him, “leadership in Islam is a trust embedded with huge responsibility. That is why it is not always sought after because of the demands and sacrifices involved. Unfortunately, man cannot live without having some people at the helm of affairs, hence we have leaders who are to serve as public servants for their followers.
“In line with this therefore, a herculean responsibility awaits us as the new set of servants for our members. Even though our emergence does not depict that we are the best among MSSN members on campus, Allah has added to our responsibilities in this world and accountability in the world to come,” he added.
The Dean, UNILAG Students Affairs Division, represented by the Deputy Dean, Dr. Zayd Aderolu advised the executives to collaborate with the staff advisers of the branch and the UMC, just as he promised the full support of the institution’s Students Affairs Division.
He urged them not to externalize any issues between the branch, the UMC, the Division and the University regardless of their grievances.
The Staff Adviser of the Society, Dr. Khalid Adekoya described the new executives as a crop of dedicated students who are determined to advance the cause of Islam on campus.
He said, “We are happy with what we see today. All our past issues have been put behind us and we are forging ahead. We have charged them to ensure quality delivery.
“We’ve got the full support of the Muslim Community. We have the full support of the UNILAG Muslim Alumni. We are sure that the crop of students that have been selected will take the society to greater heights.
“The Chairman UMC gave three charges; that you all be dedicated to what you are here for; that you serve Allah contentiously; and that you have a strong sense of volunteering,” Adekoya added.
– By Miftaudeen Raji
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