In the Name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful
Communiqué Issued at the End of the 2026 Annual National Reunion of the Obafemi Awolowo University Muslim Graduates’ Association (UNIFEMGA), Held at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria, from Friday, May 8 to Sunday, May 10, 2026 (20th–22nd Dhul Qa’dah, 1447 A.H.)
INTRODUCTION
The 2026 Annual National Reunion of the Obafemi Awolowo University Muslim Graduates’ Association (UNIFEMGA), themed “The Potential Within Nigeria: Positive Mindset and Communication for Success,” commenced with a special Jumu’ah service held at the OAU Central Mosque of Unity, Ile-Ife, Osun State.
This was followed by a courtesy visit to the Vice-Chancellor of the University, Professor Adebayo Simeon Bamire, alongside other Principal Officers of the Institution, during which issues of mutual interest were discussed. The University administration acknowledged the commendable and impactful contributions of UNIFEMGA towards the growth and development of the Institution.
In line with the Association’s commitment to value-driven engagement and economic empowerment, a networking dinner sponsored by the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of UNIFEMGA, Alhaji Rafiu Ebiti, was held, focusing on enterprise development, ethical leadership, and investment opportunities.
The reunion lecture was delivered by Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, Director-General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), while Alhaji (Engr.) Abdulkabir Adisa Aliu (FNSE), Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Matrix Energy Group, chaired the occasion. The Vice-Chancellor, Professor A.S. Bamire, served as the Chief Host.
The event was graced by the Governor of Osun State, Senator Ademola Adeleke, represented by Alhaji Bello Adeniyi, Senior Special Assistant on Religious Affairs, as well as the Pro-Chancellor of the Institution, Rt. Hon. Adejare Bello, among other dignitaries.
As part of its educational support and welfare initiatives, the Association awarded 140 scholarships worth ₦14.6 million to indigent students of the University. Since the inception of the scholarship programme in the 2009/2010 academic session, UNIFEMGA has disbursed a total sum of ₦103.4 million to 1,148 students of the Institution.
The Association also launched a ₦200 million endowment fund dedicated to supporting widows and orphans of members as part of its welfare and social support scheme.
Other activities featured during the reunion included a keep-fit exercise, medical outreach programme, and a novelty football match.
The conference also featured the Association’s Annual General Meeting (AGM), during which activities and achievements recorded in the last one year were reviewed. At the end of the session, the National Executive Council was dissolved and subsequently reappointed for another two-year tenure.
OBSERVATIONS
The conference made the following observations:
i. Islam encourages holistic development and enjoins Muslims to contribute meaningfully to the creation of an enduring, remarkable, and improved quality of life for humanity.
ii. Nigeria is abundantly blessed with enormous human and material resources capable of transforming the nation into a global force if citizens embrace positive mindsets, right attitudes, patriotism, and collective responsibility.
iii. Persistent negative narratives, disunity, and lack of national cohesion continue to undermine the country’s developmental potential.
iv. Islam encourages the adoption of modern ideas, innovation, and technology capable of improving human existence, provided they conform with the principles and limits prescribed by Islam.
RESOLUTIONS
At the end of the conference, the following resolutions were adopted:
i. The progress and development of Nigeria largely depend on the mindset of its citizens and their willingness to contribute meaningfully to national growth.
ii. Nigeria is richly endowed with talented, intelligent, and resilient people across various sectors; however, there is a need for a positive national orientation that promotes unity, patriotism, discipline, integrity, and hard work.
iii. Nigerians, especially the youth, should remain hopeful and solution-driven while collectively promoting values that foster peace, productivity, and sustainable national development.
iv. There is an urgent need for stronger collaboration and synergy between tertiary institutions and the private sector to ensure the sustainability of research, innovation, and development.
v. The challenges confronting tertiary institutions in Nigeria — including brain drain (“Japa”), obsolete equipment, incessant disruption of academic calendars, and outdated curricula — require urgent government intervention, with deliberate policies aimed at transforming brain drain into brain gain.
vi. For businesses and investments to thrive, governments at all levels should provide an enabling environment by prioritising stable electricity supply, infrastructure development, and human capital advancement.
vii. Gainful employment opportunities should be created for the teeming unemployed population, particularly the youth, who are often exploited as instruments of violence by selfish and unpatriotic elements.
viii. Above all, the conference reaffirmed that a positive mindset remains the foundation of every great nation and therefore urged Nigerians to imbibe attitudes and values that will foster national growth and development in all spheres of life.
CONCLUSION
The Association commends both the National and Local Organising Committees for successfully hosting a befitting and impactful conference, as well as for providing a conducive atmosphere for all delegates throughout the reunion.
May Allah continue to guide and bless the Association and our beloved nation, Nigeria.
