By Sulaiman Adeyemi
The Lagos State University Muslim Engineering Graduates Association, LASUMEGA and the Lagos State University College of Medicine Muslim Alumni, LMA, on Sunday 14th May, 2023 brought together members from far and near to reconnect and reminisce on their days in school and network for better opportunities.
The event, tagged LASUMEGA-LMA Reunion Combo, was held at the exotic Radisson Blu Hotel in Ikeja GRA. It had in attendance Muslim professionals from engineering and medical fields who are alumni of the Lagos State University, LASU and Lagos State University College of Medicine, LASUCOM.
Being the first of its kind from the two alumni groups, the reunion event provided a fantastic opportunity for members to engage in lively discussions, share stories and create new memories.
Both established professionals and recent graduates at the occasion had the opportunity of meeting with fellow alumni, establish new contacts and strengthen their connections within the industry.
In a keynote address delivered via Zoom, the Director of MBA at Keele Business School, UK, Dr Masud Bello advised members of the two alumni groups to align their goals to the greater good of Islam and the nation at large, rather than limiting them to personal gains or narrow interests.
Dr. Bello said limiting their goals to personal gains will amount to nothing in the midst of the current sufferings in the country.
Speaking on the theme, “Strategic Leadership and Effective Collaboration for a Greater Nigeria,” Dr. Bello noted that strategic leadership and effective collaboration are key principles that can enable the professionals to make positive impacts in shaping Nigeria’s future, adding that it “requires careful planning, risk assessment and adaptability.”
He also emphasised the importance of unity, cooperation and collaboration in the nation’s journey to progress.
He alluded to how Prophet Muhammad (SAW) deployed strategic leadership and collaboration to establish a just and progressive society in Madinah.
While urging the professionals to prepare for the many challenges ahead, Dr. Bello said they should contribute their skills to the development of Nigeria, adding, however, that this can only be achieved through collaboration.
“You cannot achieve this alone. We must embrace the power of collaboration and collaboration is about working together, leveraging our collective strengths and pooling our resources for a common purpose. It’s about breaking barriers and building bridges of understanding,” he said.
The guest speaker, Mr. Sulaiman Aledeh of Arise News Television, lamented that Nigeria is having problems because of bad leadership. He, therefore, called on the Muslim professionals to collaborate effectively for the good of the nation.
“What can we do differently as Muslim professionals? It’s not a rhetorical question but it’s a question that we must answer. How strategic can we be? What’s the place of collaboration in making Nigeria better? Doctors have the responsibility of saving lives. Engineers have the responsibility of building lasting structures that should outlive those lives.
“As Muslims we must identify our purpose and collaborate to improve Nigeria through leadership qualities. So, if I, as an engineer do a good job in the construction of the structures that bring ease to the people in whatever form, guess what, the doctor has less to worry about, that’s collaboration” he said.
In another goodwill message, the Vice Chancellor of Lagos State University, Professor Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, who was represented at the event by Professor Shehu Akintola, said alumni associations, mean a lot for the University, adding that the institution was ready to partner with LASUMEGA-LMA.
She said the theme of the reunion was in line with LASU Management’s objective.
The Provost of LASUCOM, Professor Abiodun Adewuya, in his goodwill message, expressed happiness with both alumni groups for staging such a reunion event, while encouraging members to give back to the institution, especially their colleagues in the Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria, MSSN.
The Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioural Medicine acknowledged the virtue of honesty in the LASUCOM Muslim Community, which he said he expects them to continue with.
“Honesty, that’s one thing I am quite envious of the Muslim community; very honest. I hope that we would continue this way. We should work together, give ourselves mutual respect, tolerance, and understand the complexities of our environment.
“What do I expect of LASUCOM alumni and of course, LASUMEGA, let’s know where you are. We are proud of you wherever you are and I think at this stage, don’t feel bad if we start knocking on your door that it’s time you start giving back. Don’t wait until you are 60 years old and have bought everything in the GRA before you start giving back. You don’t have to give back to the institution directly. I am talking about your colleagues in school, that’s the Muslim Students’ Society,” he said.
The high point of the reunion event was the presentation of awards to personalities as well as members of both bodies who have been outstanding in their commitments to the growth of LASUMEGA-LMA since inception.
Other dignitaries at the event include the Chief Financial Officer, MTN Nigeria, Mr. Modupe Kadiri; Senior Special Assistant on Science and Technology to the Lagos State Governor, Eng. Saheed Balogun; Ag. H.O.D, Medical Biochemistry, LASUCOM, Dr. Mushafau Akinsanya; Chairman LASUTH/LASUCOM Muslim Community, Professor Nasiru Akanmu Ibrahim; Chairman LASU Epe Muslim Community, Dr. Adetokunbo Adenowo and a host of others.
At the end of the event, members of the associations moved down to Bab eS Salam Orphanage on Joel Ogunaike, Ikeja GRA, to make some donations aimed at impacting positively the lives of the children there.
