An Imam of the National Mosque, Abuja, Dr Abdulkadir Jumuah Salman Sholagberu, has praised a former Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof. Emeritus Ishaq Olanrewaju Oloyede, CON, for his contributions to national growth and human development.
Dr Sholagberu, who is also the Malami Ubandoma of Ilorin, made the remarks on Thursday while delivering a lecture at the opening ceremony of the 60th National Conference of the Ilorin Emirate Descendants Progressive Union (IEDPU) in Ilorin.
Prof. Oloyede, who currently serves as Registrar and Chief Executive Officer of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) and Secretary-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), attended the event alongside his successor as Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof. AbdulGaniyu Ambali, OON.
The cleric described Prof. Oloyede as a patriotic leader with a strong record of service delivery, noting that his public career reflects honesty, discipline and a commitment to fairness. He said the former Vice Chancellor is widely respected for promoting integrity in both private and public life.
Dr Sholagberu said Prof. Oloyede distinguished himself during his tenure at the University of Ilorin and has continued to perform effectively in his current national assignments, adding that his leadership style remains consistent and inclusive.
He also acknowledged Prof. Oloyede’s personal role in his appointment as an Imam of the National Mosque, describing the gesture as one of many ways the former Vice Chancellor has supported others without discrimination.
According to the cleric, although Prof. Oloyede is not an indigene of Ilorin, he has embraced the city as home and has positively impacted the Ilorin Emirate through mentorship and support for many of its sons and daughters.
Dr Sholagberu urged the JAMB Registrar to sustain his commitment to national service and encouraged young Nigerians to emulate his leadership qualities in the interest of unity and development.
Other dignitaries at the event included the Dean of the Faculty of Arts, University of Ilorin, Prof. Ibrahim Abdulganiyu Jawondo, and a lecturer in the Department of Arabic and Transnational Studies, Dr Mahmud Musa Danjuma.
