LASU 26th Convocation Special Jum'at Service At LASU Muslim Community Mosque

LASU Muslim Community Mosque, Ojo Campus, at the Special Jum'at Service as part of the listed events for LASU's 26th Convocation Ceremonies and 40th Anniversary of the university during the Muslim Cleric's Jum'at sermon. 

The Chief Imam, Lagos State University Muslim Community Mosque, Ojo, Professor Amidu Olalekan Sanni had charged the government and public to celebrate academic excellence more than entertainment artists.

This wake up call was aired on Friday, 16th June 2023 at the LASU Muslim Community Mosque, Ojo Campus, at the Special Jum'at Service as part of the listed events for LASU's 26th Convocation Ceremonies and 40th Anniversary of the university during the Muslim Cleric's Jum'at sermon. 

This clarion call was made as a result of the outstanding success ever to be achieved in the history of LASU i.e. academic success of the *Best Graduating Student of LASU for the 2021/2022 Academic Session', Miss. Aminat Imoitesemeh Yusuf from the Faculty of Law with the perfect CGPA of 5.0*, which the Chief Imam believed wasn't well publicised and celebrated. 

"It is indeed apparent that the society we live in celebrate mediocrity more than academic excellence", he expressed sadly.

Prof. Sanni, during the Special Jum'at Service substantiated his sermon by citing Qur'an 11:41, 17: 80, 31:12-28, and some Hadith (wise sayings of the Prophet, Muhammad SAW), while admonishing the graduating students and the 'staylites' to be more prayerful, dedicated, committed and focused as they move on in life. His words, "remember to bless your parents with your resources and prayers as they did laboured for your success, discover yourself, discover your potentials and more importantly, your talent", he advised. 

"Make humility your watch word, being respectful to everyone you come in contact with and putting on an heart-warming smile is a great tool to success", he added.

On wealth acquisition, the cleric rebuked graduands and other students with the mindset of illegal and dubious wealth acquisition to desist from such in order not to incur the wrath of Almighty Allah." he said.

"On students' and staff welfarism, it is imperative that the University Management looked into extortion, sex for marks/promotion and other vices, " he concluded.

The Vice Chancellor's Response

The Vice Chancellor, Lagos State University (LASU), Professor Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, mni, NPOM, aka Mama LASU, aka Mama Welfare, in her remarks appreciated God Almighty for giving the entire LASU community the grace to witness the ongoing 26th Convocation Ceremonies and 40th Anniversary of the university, and tasked the workforce of the institution to be alive to their responsibilities, dedicated and show more commitment to their job.

She said this while responding to the Chief Imam's charges.

For the upteenth time, the LASU Czar reiterated the commitment of her administration to the welfare of the University's workforce, adding that the workers would always get what ever was due to them, as long as it is legitimate and subject to availability of fund.

"We are here to thank God and to appreciate the *Super star, Aminah Yusuf, the best graduating student, with a perfect CGPA of 5.0 . The best in the 40 years existence of the University*. We thank God for everything. We thank our staff for their commitment but, they must show more commitment to their jobs and be alive to their responsibilities. I thank the Muslim Community for their support, too", Professor Olatunji-Bello remarked.

On the best graduating student at this year's Convocation, she noted that she had been well celebrated by the media and the Governor,  Mr Babajide Sanwoolu, who had sent his goodwill message, which the Vice Chancellor read to the hearing of all. 

She informed that a prominent traditional ruler in the state would be hosting the graduate of Law at the weekend, precisely on Sunday.

She warned impostors and impersonators, parading themselves as staff of the University, who go about defrauding unsuspecting members of the  public, claiming they could help them secure admission, to stay clear of LASU.

She warned their collaborators within the University to desist from such unwholesome practice. 

"As Muslims and Christians, we need to be God fearing in all our dealings with our08 students and fellow junior/senior colleagues". Madam VC charged.

She went further, "my administration has zero tolerance for sexual harassment towards our students and fellow members of staff, it's high time we had a change of heart", she declared. 

"As from next week, there will be complaint boxes mounted in every corner of the campuses where you can drop your sexual harassment and gender based violence case reports which would be promptly and professional treated", she added. 

"Our students should be able to be proud of their certificates' genuineness and not sex-for-mark stained certificates. Talking about sexual harassment, my administration is empowered by the Governing Council to deal with SGBV erring members of staff", she concluded.

The Chairman, LASU Muslim Community, Associate Prof. Jamiu Oluwatoki, in his welcome address, thanked the Vice Chancellor for gracing the occasion alongside other members of the University Management team. He equally appreciated her continuous support to the LASU Muslim community. He prayed for the growth of the institution.

The Deputy Registrar (Vice Chancellor's Office), Dr. Lateef Shekoni was on hand to add pep to the programme, with more prayers.

Highpoint of the prayer was the presentation of a gift, a portrait by Prof. Mrs. Jameelah Yaqub, on behalf of the Muslim Community to the Vice Chancellor.

Dr. Majolagbe brought the well attended prayer to a close with the closing prayer.

The special Jumah was a two in one programme as it was also meant to say prayers for the University of excellence having clocked forty(40) years from date it was established.

Other Principal Officers at the spiritual and fun filled event include the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academics), Prof. Funsho Omobitan, Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration), Prof. Adenike Boyo, the Registrar, Mr Emmanuel. A. Fanu, the Bursar, Mr Said Babatunde Olayinka and the University Librarian, Dr. Emmanuel 'Layi Adebayo.

Deans, Directors members of MOWLAS and MOMLAS, Staff and Students' Union members were also in attendance to support the Vice Chancellor. 

She thanked all for their unwavering support for her and her administration.

MySchoolNews reporting.