Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has described education as a vital instrument for liberating people from slavery and the use of brute force.
He made the statement on Thursday while speaking at the inauguration of Minaret University, Ikirun, and the investiture of the institution’s pioneer Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Abdullah Abdur-Rahman.
Adeleke said his administration is building on the legacy of the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo, whose policies promoted an enlightened and active citizenry capable of standing against tyranny, impunity, and lawlessness.
Commending the Ahmadiyya Muslim community, founders of the university, the governor said, “With MINARET and other upcoming private institutions, with existing old colleges and universities, Osun will continue to advance in scholarship and good governance. Our sons and daughters will continue to make the state proud locally and internationally. Never shall Osun retrogress; the clock of advancement will continue to tick in our favour.
“A well-read population is empowered with knowledge and is therefore stronger than those wielding brute force as a means of existence. The late sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo designed the old Western Region as a zone to be propelled to the national frontline by educational access.
“The mileage of the first republic was expanded by the late Bola Ige administration through its free education programme. That legacy was built upon in the new Osun state to guarantee an active citizenry that is ready and capable of resisting tyranny, impunity and lawlessness.”
In his remarks, the Chancellor of Minaret University, Barrister Azeez Alatoye, said the institution was established at a time when Nigeria is facing serious social, economic, and moral challenges, noting that the university is positioned to help address these issues through quality teaching, relevant research, innovation, and community service.
Alatoye disclosed that the university is beginning academic activities with programmes in Data Science, Information Technology, Computer Science, Cyber Security, Accounting, Economics, Business Administration, Marketing, Logistics, and Supply Chain Management.
According to him, “Minaret University was conceived not merely as another centre of learning, but as a citadel of excellence, firmly anchored on knowledge, discipline, moral uprightness, and service to humanity, values for which the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at is globally known.
“At a time when our nation grapples with profound social, economic, and moral challenges, the role of universities has never been more critical. Minaret University is strategically positioned to respond to these challenges through quality teaching, relevant research, innovation, and community engagement. We are committed to global best practices while remaining deeply responsive to national and local development priorities.”
Addressing the pioneer students, the Chancellor urged them to uphold discipline, strive for excellence, and play a role in defining the institution’s culture.
“To our pioneer students, you are custodians of history. You bear the noble responsibility of setting standards and shaping the culture of this great institution. Embrace discipline, pursue excellence, and uphold the values upon which Minaret University is founded,” Alatoye added.
Speaking after his investiture, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Abdullah Abdur-Rahman, said his vision is to develop the university into a world-class tertiary institution focused on intellectual growth and manpower development for sustainable socio-economic progress at regional, national, and international levels.
“I envision a university that is entrepreneurial, inclusive, and globally competitive. Our mission is to become a world-class tertiary institution for the intellectual and manpower development of human resources for sustainable socio-economic development regionally, nationally and internationally.”
The Vice-Chancellor also appealed for cooperation among the university’s management, staff, students, and other stakeholders, reaffirming his resolve to steer Minaret University towards excellence.
“I am mindful of the fact that no single individual can determine the success of a university. Through teamwork, open administration and democratic governance; we are poised to do our best to take Minaret University to an enviable height. All hands must be on deck, there must be a synergy among the University Management, staff, the students and other stakeholders.”