Campus News

VC reaffirms UNILORIN’s zero tolerance for cultism

The Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN, has reaffirmed the Institution’s commitment to eradicating cultism among its students, saying the most sought-after University maintains zero-tolerance for cultism.

Prof. Egbewole stated this last Monday (March 24, 2025) at a joint Iftar (breaking of fast) where he hosted journalists, members of the UNILORIN Muslim Community, the Committee of Provost and Deans, Directors of Units, as well as students of the University.

The Vice Chancellor attributed his Administration’s success in maintaining a cultism-free institution and peaceful academic environment to the synergy between security personnel, management, students, and other stakeholders. He reassured the University community that the Administration remains committed to ensuring the safety of all students and staff.

Prof. Egbewole said, “As a University, we have our unique strategies. Since cultism is a security issue, our strategies remain dynamic. You will agree with me that we had exterminated cultism from our University for more than two decades, and it remains so because we have a security architecture that is working. We have a crop of responsible and responsive student bodies, a very effective Student Affairs Unit, and, of course, a zero-tolerance policy for cultism as a University”.

 The Vice Chancellor explained the significance of the 2025 Ramadan Iftar programme, noting its inclusivity in uniting all University stakeholders, regardless of religious affiliation. He stated that this year’s event was particularly unique, as the University expanded its reach to engage not only with the media but also with the Muslim community, the Committee of Provost and Deans, Directors of various units, and other members of the University.

He stated further that the University provides accommodation for various religious groups, pointing out that “as a community, we provide accommodation for various religious divisions. Every religion is accommodated within our community, making our University unique.”

Prof. Egbewole said, “I don’t think there is any university in Nigeria that does what we do. Every Christmas, we felicitate with our Christian brothers and sisters, and during Ileya festival, they celebrate with the Muslim Ummah”.

               Speaking on the internationalisation agenda of the University, Prof. Egbewole assured his audience that the process is well on course and outlined key initiatives undertaken since he assumed office.

He mentioned efforts to sign more Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with universities across the world, strengthen the institution’s immersion programme, and upgrade the Centre for International Education (CIE). He added that the University currently has over 100 MoUs with institutions across different continents.

In a sermon at the Iftar programme, the Chief Imam of the UNILORIN Central Mosque, represented by the Deputy Chief Imam, Dr Musa Siddiq Abdullahi, urged Muslims to sustain the lessons of Ramadan, which include endurance, fear of Almighty Allah, and always providing food for the needy.

Challenging the audience to reflect on their devotion beyond Ramadan, the Imam asked, “As we move away from the month of Ramadan, are we going to be among those who fast only because of Ramadan, or among those who observe fasting because of their fear of Allah?” According to him, “during Ramadan, everyone observed the virtues as ordained by Allah, but true devotion is reflected in one’s ability to sustain those good deeds beyond Ramadan”.

Dr Abdullahi, who is a lecturer in the Department of Arts Education, urged Muslims to continue practicing self-discipline, guard their tongues, always speak what is good, share with the needy, refrain from fights, and avoid all forms of wrongdoing to ensure that their fasting is accepted.