The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Kolawole Salako addressing faithful at special Juma’at Service marking the 26th Convocation Ceremony of FUNAAB held at the University Mosque. It is flanked from Right by the Chief Imam of FUNAAB Muslim Community, Professor Idris Ayinde, representative of the University Librarian, Dr. Fredrick Ajegbomogun, the Registrar, Dr. ‘Bola Adekola, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Development), Professor Lateef Sanni, Amir of FUNAAB Muslim Community, Professor Kehinde Okeleye, and a staunch member of the Community, Professor Adesina Agboola
Activities marking the 26th Convocation Ceremony and Award of Academic and Honorary Degrees of the University began in full swing on Friday with a Juma’at Service, held at the University Mosque.
Expectedly, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Kolawole Salako led Principal Officers, Deans, Heads of Departments, Directorates, Centres and Units to the Service.
They were received by the University Muslim Community led by the Amir and Imam, Professor Okeleye and Professor Idris Ayinde respectively.
Special prayers for the success of the Convocation Ceremony, peace, progress and development of the University were offered at the service.
Welcoming the Vice-Chancellor and his entourage, the Amir, Professor Kehinde Okeleye declared that the University Muslim Community was delighted to have him and his team at the Mosque for the special Juma’at Service which signaled the beginning of activities marking the 26th Convocation Ceremony of the University even as he prayed for the success of celebration and continuous reign of peace and harmony under the present Administration.
The Amir who said it was noteworthy that besides lectures and examination schedules, University Ceremonies particularly Convocation Ceremonies are indication of the normal functioning of the University charged the Vice-Chancellor, the Senate and Management to return the University.
Professor Okeleye on behalf of the entire Muslim Community congratulated the Vice-Chancellor on his first year in office while assuring him of the Community’s support towards the attainment of his vision for the University.
Earlier, while delivering his Sermon at the Juma’at Service, the Chief Imam, Professor Idris Ayinde charged Muslim faithfuls to always put in their best in whatever position of responsibility they are entrusted with bearing in mind that whatever has a beginning will definitely have an end and their actions at the end of their service will either make people pray for them or do otherwise.
The Chief Imam who disclosed that holding a leadership position is a task from God which each leader will account for, enumerated the attributes of good leadership to include justice, accountability, ability to lead (missionary), tolerance, patience and having a discerning spirit.
He added that things that a leader who want to be successful should avoid include sycophancy which he said is a distraction to success. Professor Ayinde commended the Vice-Chancellor for a job well done in one year, charging him not to rest on his oars.
Speaking at the Service, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Kolawole Salako appreciated the entire University particularly the Muslim Community for their support and cooperation which he said has translated to the peace and harmony being experience in the Institution.
According to him, “we have to work together as a community and our differences should not divide us”, even as he solicited for more cooperation toward achieving a greater University Community.
Other activities lined-up for the weeklong ceremony are Interdenominational Service at the University Chapel, Convocation Press Conference, Commissioning of Projects, Research and Agricultural Fair, Convocation Lecture, Chancellor’s Cocktail in Honour of the Convocation Lecturer and Convocation Ceremony proper.
Readers are enjoined to watch out for a bumper package of incisive reports of the activities commemorating the 26th Convocation Ceremony in subsequent editions of your favourite tabloid, FUNAAB Bulletin. Make it a date with us, you’ll be glad you did. HAPPY CELEBRATION FROM US AT DIRECTOREATE OF PUBLIC RELATIONS.