By Rasheed Abubakar
* As Gov. Zulum, Speaker Obasa, Prof. Oloyede, others lead discussions at the well-attended gathering (complete report)
The University of Lagos Muslim Alumni (UMA) brought together scholars, leaders, and Muslim faithful from across Nigeria on Sunday, February 15, for its 31st Pre-Ramadan Lecture, creating a platform where spiritual reflection, moral responsibility, and national security converged.
The event, held at the fully occupied J.F. Ade Ajayi Main Auditorium, carried the theme, “The Light Beyond: Guiding Our Souls to Paradise,” and encouraged participants to reflect on personal piety, community service, and national unity.
Governor Zulum: Justice and Mutual Respect as Pillars of Unity
Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State, who chaired the occasion, urged Nigerians to embrace equity, justice, and mutual respect as essential pillars for peaceful coexistence and national unity.
Represented by his deputy, Mal. Umar Usman Kadafur, Prof Zulum expressed concern over the gradual erosion of societal values and stressed that reversing the trend requires collective commitment from leaders, institutions, and citizens alike.
“Building a society anchored on fairness and justice will help address longstanding grievances, reduce tensions, and foster national integration,” he said, noting that Ramadan offers a unique opportunity for spiritual reflection and moral rebirth, not just for Muslims but for society as a whole.
Prof. Zulum, who recently won Muslim News Nigeria Transformational Leadership award, urged the lecture organizers to sustain the initiative beyond Ramadan, suggesting similar engagements to tackle moral and social challenges nationwide.
Prof. Oloyede urges Muslims to lead on security and civic responsibility
Prof. Is-haq Oloyede, Secretary-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, NSCIA, who spoke on the first topic: “Muslims: The Challenge of National Security”, called on Muslims to take an active role in promoting national security and moral responsibility.
Prof. Oloyede, who also serves as Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), stressed that Muslims should avoid identity politics and recognize that Nigeria is a multi-religious society.
He said coexisting with others does not mean abandoning Islamic principles. “Insecurity is when you care about the other person. If you care only about yourself, nobody will be secure,” he said.
He outlined six key actions for Muslim communities: treat security as a moral duty, revive the concept of hisbah to encourage vigilance, deepen engagement in national peacebuilding, protect families and homes, demand accountability from the state, and address both spiritual and material needs of religious leaders to prevent corruption.
The respective Muslim scholar decried what he described as misinformation and divisive narratives about the NSCIA under the leadership of the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Saad Abubakar III.
Prof. Oloyede warned against viewing insecurity, terrorism and banditry through a religious lens, saying, insurgents merely deploy religious language to legitimise their actions, insisting that Islam should not be defined by extremists.
“Islam cannot be determined by what those people say. We have a duty to correct that narrative,” he said, adding that while Muslims must reject all forms of extremism, insurgency thrives on enabling political and social conditions.
Faith must be accompanied by action: Chief Imam Lekki
Chief of Lekki Central Mosque, Dr. Ridwan Jamiu, who addressed the second topic, ” The Path to Paradise: How to Get There” explained the Islamic concept of Rabbana in Surah Al-Baqarah (Chapter 2), verse 201 of the Qur’an, which prays for the good of this world and the hereafter while seeking protection from the punishment of hellfire.
The revered scholar emphasized that entering Jannah begins with accepting Islam, noting that all prophets and messengers before Prophet Muhammad (SAW) were Muslims who taught and practiced the faith.
He stressed that faith must be accompanied by action. “You cannot claim to be Muslim if you do not practice Islam. To deserve Jannah, you must actively work for it,” he said. 
Dr. Jamiu also highlighted the importance of defending Islam by protecting oneself from the evils and temptations of Shaytan and avoiding sins.
He encouraged participants to live with consciousness of their faith and responsibility toward both personal conduct and the wider Muslim community.
Lagos Speaker calls on Muslims to cultivate faith and civic responsibility in Ramadan
Delivering the keynote address, Rt. Hon. (Dr.) Mudashiru Obasa, Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, reminded Muslims that Ramadan is a time for forgiveness, renewal, and recommitment to piety and good deeds.
Hon. Obasa, accompanied by several members of the Lagos State House of Assembly, said the divine light mentioned in Surah An-Nur (Qur’an 24) guides believers through life’s challenges toward Paradise.
“Every step we take is either toward the eternal light of Paradise or away from it,” he said, stressing that paradise begins in the present through intentional actions, steadfast faith, and commitment to righteousness.
He urged leaders, parents, and citizens to uphold justice, peace, and good governance, highlighting that spiritual obligations cannot be separated from civic duties.
Citing Suratul Fajri, he noted that righteous deeds ensure spiritual reassurance and entry into Paradise. He also quoted the Prophet Muhammad, saying, “The best of people are those who are most beneficial to others.”
Reflecting on his tenure as Speaker, Hon. Obasa highlighted initiatives promoting religious harmony, interfaith dialogue, education reforms, healthcare improvements, and poverty alleviation as practical steps toward Paradise.
He encouraged participants to engage in community programs, including the Qur’an Challenge, medical outreaches, and Ramadan palliative efforts.
Ogun Deputy Governor preaches moral responsibility for Muslims during Ramadan
The well-attended programme brought together leading lights of Islam from the public and private sectors, including the Deputy Governor of Ogun State, Mrs. Noimot Salako-Oyedele, who praised the University of Lagos Muslim Alumni (UMA) for sustaining the pre-Ramadan lecture platform for over three decades.
“One message stood out clearly: security is not only a state function; it is a matter of conscience,” she said.
“Each of us has a role to play in safeguarding our homes, our communities, and our nation. We cannot outsource moral responsibility. The most powerful defence of Islam is the example we set through good character, fairness, and standing against injustice.”
Mrs. Salako-Oyedele further urged Muslims to approach the holy month of Ramadan as seekers of personal salvation and custodians of peace, praying that Allah grants them the light that leads to Paradise.
UMA Pre-Ramadan Lecture is a platform for unity and progress: UNILAG VC
Vice Chancellor of the host institution University of Lagos, Prof. Folashade Ogunsola, represented by Prof. Olufemi Shuaib, described UMA Pre-Ramadan Lecture as more than an annual ritual. She emphasized its role in bringing Muslims from all walks of life together to chart a way forward for the Muslim community and the nation.
She noted that during Ramadan, the doors of hell are shut while the doors of heaven are opened, calling on fasting Muslims to fully embrace the rare opportunity granted by Allah.
Prof. Ogunsola also commended the Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, Prof. Is-haq Oloyede, for setting high standards of excellence in the country and thanked him for his swift interventions on matters concerning the University.
UMA showcases philanthropy through scholarship and Qur’an challenge programs
Earlier in his welcome address, the President of the University of Lagos Muslim Alumni, Dr. Abdulmumin Alao, reaffirmed the association’s stance that all Nigerians, regardless of faith, must unite to confront criminals and renegades, citing Boko Haram as an example of extremists who misrepresent Islam.
Dr. Alao commended Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Zulum, for his leadership and resilience against insurgency, describing him as a model of faith, humility, and service to humanity.
He emphasized that the UMA Pre-Ramadan Lecture series blends spiritual guidance with contemporary societal issues, ensuring participants leave spiritually enlightened and informed on national challenges. “No gift is greater than guidance to Paradise,” he said.
Dr. Alao highlighted UMA’s philanthropic initiatives, including the UMA Scholarship Scheme, which has supported 199 postgraduate students pursuing Masters and Doctorate degrees since inception, and the Qur’an Challenge, a competition promoting excellence in Quranic recitation among secondary schools and Madrasahs.
He also noted the association’s Ramadan palliative distribution program, which provides support to needy community members.
He concluded by praying for success in fasting, the rewards of Ramadan, and divine assistance for Nigeria to overcome security and societal challenges.
The programme, which also featured free medical tests and the distribution of Ramadan palliatives, was attended by alumni from various sets, including Senator representing Ogun Central, Senator Shuaib Afolabi Salis; MUSWEN President, Alhaji Rasaki Oladejo; former NAHCON Chairman, Ustaz Zikrullah Hassan; Arabel Islamic Nigeria representative, Mrs. Shareefah Abiola Andu; and Hon. Jubril Abdulkareem, Member of the Lagos State House of Assembly, among others.
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