UNILAG Muslim Alumni Holds Pre-Ramadan Lecture
University of Lagos Muslim Alumni (UMA) is set to hold its 30th Pre-Ramadan Lecture with the theme: “The Transformative Power of Ramadan”.
The lecture is scheduled to hold on Sunday, 23rd February, 2025 at the J.F. Ajayi Auditorium, University of Lagos beginning from 10 O’Clock in the morning.
UMA National President, Dr Mumini Alao, said the objective of this year’s theme was to highlight the immense benefits embedded in the holy month so that Muslim faithfuls can prepare to exploit them in full.
Speaking at a press conference in Lagos, Alao said the lead topic of discussion is: ”Islam at the Intersection of Humanity and Religion”.
According to him, this topic was inspired by the apparent dilemma of Muslims on how to find the right balance between the demands of our faith, and the rights of our neighbours which sometimes might be in conflict.
The second topic of discussion is “Shari’ah in South West Nigeria”
Alao said: “During the past few weeks, this subject matter has come to the front burner following developments in Ekiti State where a traditional ruler purportedly “banned” the setting up of a Shari’ah Arbitration Panel as an Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanism between and among willing Muslims in his domain. Is it true that the Shari’ah is strange to South West Nigeria? Is there no history, past or present, of its adoption and application in the private lives of willing Muslims in the region? Is it against the Nigerian Constitution for willing Muslims to opt for adjudication of some aspects of their personal lives according to the Shari’ah? Do traditional rulers or government officials have the power to ban private citizens from adopting an Alternative Dispute Resolution instrument of their choice?” he said the two invited renowned legal scholars would do justice to these postulations.
Among the speakers are: Professor Mashood Baderin of the University of London, an expert in Islamic Law and International Human Rights Law, which makes him a perfect fit for our lead topic. He is making a second appearance in our annual lecture series, having delivered our 14th lecture in 2008.
Another speaker, Justice Abdur-Raheem Ahmad Sayi of the Shari’ah Court of Appeal, Ilorin, Kwara State, going by his training and vocation, has the requisite qualification and practical knowledge to answer all the questions raised by the second topic.
Dignitaries expected at the lecture include; the Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, who will deliver a keynote address.
The Chairman of the occasion is Senator Abdul’aziz Yari, former Governor of Zamfara State. The Royal Father of the Day is His Majesty, Oba (Professor) Saka Adeola Matemilola, the Olowu of Owu Kingdom, while the Chief Host is Professor Folasade Ogunsola, FAS, Vice Chancellor of the University of Lagos.
Alao said the UMA has introduced some innovations this year to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the lecture. One of them is a “Qur’an Recitation Challenge” amongst primary, secondary and Arabic school children, the winners of which will be announced at the lecture.
He said special recognition awards would also be given to some of the scholars that have delivered its lectures in the past, while the UMA Medical team will offer free medical checks to early arrivals before the programme proper gets under way.
Alao said during the last three decades, the UNILAG Muslim Alumni Pre-Ramadan lecture has established itself as the forerunner of all other Ramadan lectures in Lagos and, indeed, the whole of South West Nigeria.
“It has also been established in the University of Lagos academic calendar by the Muslim Community as an annual event to look forward to.
“This epoch-making commemorative 30th anniversary edition promises to be very rewarding for all attendees as we usher in the holy month of Ramadan,” he stated.
