Former VC seeks for more Islamic varsities

From Olanrewaju Lawal, Ilorin

The former Vice- Chancellor of Fountain University, Osogbo, professor Hussein Oloyede has called on Nigeria Muslims to establish more Islamic universities in the country.

Oloyede who stated this at the formal opening ceremony of 1436 A.H Dawn Holiday Programme (HDP) organised by The Companion (An association of Muslim men in business and the professions), held at Iqra College, Ilorin, noted that apart from the Fountain University that was established by NASFAT, some 20 years ago ,there has not been any concrete efforts by Islamic societies to establish new ones.

He said: “We have serious challenges of Islamic University, we are yet to see the result, and we will begin to see in the next seven years”.

Though he acknowledged that some individual Muslims have established their own private universities, he opined that the death of those individuals might be the end of those universities.

“If the wives and children do not believe in it, that might be the end of it”, he said.

Oloyede, who expressed concern over Muslim societies lagging behind in establishment of Islamic Universities, urged the companion and other Islamic societies in the country to come together and establish at least two Islamic universities that everyone will proud of to send their children and wards.

The guest speaker at the occasion and Speaker, Kwara state House of Assembly, Barrister Razak Atunwa, who delivered a lecture on the topic: “Corruption And Good Governance: Our Roles As Nation Builders”, urged Muslims to participate in all electoral process leading to the 2015 general elections.

The Speaker, who was represented by his Director of Protocol Mosadi Kareem, Atunwa said “no Islamic injunction prohibits Muslims from participating in election”, even as he admonished Muslim youths to shun political thuggery, corruption and all forms of social vices.

The Speaker urged the Nigeria Muslims to play their roles in fighting corruption and demonstrate that Islam is a “perfect religion” by upholding tenets of rightness.