The Ilorin Community in Abuja, in collaboration with the Ilorin Emirate Staff of the University of Abuja, hosted a grand celebration on Wednesday at City Park, Abuja, to honor Professor AbdulRasheed Olayinka Na’Allah for his successful tenure as Vice-Chancellor of the University of Abuja.
The ceremony commenced with a standing ovation as Professor Na’Allah entered, accompanied by the rhythmic beats of Ilorin local trumpet and drumming known as Bembe and Fere.
The event highlighted the profound impact of his leadership over the years.
Sharia Court of Appeal Khadi, Abdullahi Adam Al-Ilori, led the opening prayers, setting a solemn tone for the occasion.
Dr. Yusuf Lawal then delivered the opening remarks, lauding the outgoing Vice-Chancellor’s remarkable achievements. “Out of his five years, he had to weather the storm doing the job that was given to him by the Federal Government,” Lawal said.
“For anybody who had known the University of Abuja before his assumption of office, and those who have visited the main campus lately, they will be marveled at what Professor AbdulRasheed Olayinka Na’Allah was able to do despite shortcomings.
“Of course, it is in recognition of his contributions that his brothers and sisters from Ilorin, who are in Abuja, in conjunction with members of staff of Ilorin extraction, put this together to honor him not to retirement but to higher heights.
“And that’s why for those who appreciate good things, we want to also showcase that, yes, in Ilorin, we have a very big icon.”
Goodwill messages poured in from notable dignitaries, including Deputy Vice-Chancellor Admin, Professor Philip Afaha, Deputy Vice-Chancellor Academics, Professor Aisha Maikudi, Senator representing Kwara Central at the National Assembly, Mallam Saliu Mustapha, former Federal Minister of Youth Development and Chairman, National Sports Commission in Nigeria, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, and the Permanent Secretary of Ministry of Niger Delta, Dr. Shuaib Belgore OON. Each speaker praised Professor Na’Allah’s various contributions to academia, community service, and global outreach.
In her remarks, Professor Aisha Maikudi, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor Academic of the University of Abuja, described Na’Allah as a pathfinder and trailblazer whose achievements in the university have never been witnessed in the history of the school.
According to her, “Truly, no one, no Vice-Chancellor at our university has done what he has done. Love him or hate him, you have to admit that.
“When he comes into our campus, we see the difference.
“One word to describe him is he’s determined. When he sets his eyes on something, he must achieve it, no matter how hard or difficult it is.”
Professor Philip Afaha, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor Administrative, said what Professor AbdulRasheed Na’Allah recorded in five years is more than what has been achieved in that university in the past 30 years.
“Prof. Na’Allah is an energy. I think this is the kind of person that Nigeria needs, a kind of person that Africa needs. We need energy. People with the requisite energy to get things done,” Afaha reiterated.
“He set out to do so many things in the university. Those of us who are members of that community would not believe he could achieve half of it. I have been with the university for a very long time, but I tell you, that university has never seen this kind of Vice-Chancellor.
“I am afraid and pray strongly that God should bring someone that can at least do 80% of what Na’Allah did. He works round the clock. He does everything. He works day and night for the university.”
Senator Saliu Mustapha, who represents Kwara Central Senatorial District at the National Assembly, described Na’Allah as a worthy representative of the Emirate. He prayed to Allah to continue to make it easy for him as he exits this assignment that was given to him.
“May Allah find him worthy of bigger and better responsibilities where he is going to, again, showcase what it is to come from the city of Ilorin,” the Senator prayed.
Professor Nasrudeen Maiturare, the former Vice-Chancellor of Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida University Lapai, noted that Na’Allah is a thinker.
“As a colleague and as a former Vice-Chancellor of a state university when he was also a Vice-Chancellor, Na’Allah was an icon to be reckoned with,” he said.
“Among the committee of Vice-Chancellors of Nigerian state universities, Professor Na’Allah was a model. I experienced this during one of the policy meetings of JAMB. Going by what happened at the policy meeting that he hosted, it is to me one of the greatest and most successful JAMB policy meetings that have taken place in my entire career. And I believe, even Professor Oloyede will attest to that.
“I join the Ilorin Community all over the world, millions of students all over the world, and also their parents to congratulate our eminent scholar and administrator par excellence, Professor AbdulRasheed Na’Allah.”
The event was graced by a diverse audience comprising heads of agencies, professors, permanent secretaries, industry leaders, lawyers, media practitioners, community leaders, and students. This eclectic mix of attendees underscored the wide-reaching influence of Professor Na’Allah’s work.
Reflecting on his tenure, Professor Na’Allah expressed his gratitude, stating, “I am deeply honored by this recognition and thankful for the support from the entire University community. Together, we have achieved great strides.”
The honoree’s citation was read by the former Director-General of the National Broadcasting Commission, Mallam Ishaq Modibbo Kawu, who emphasized Professor Na’Allah’s contributions to academia, broadcasting, literary works, entertainment, and beyond. “His innovative approaches and dedication have left an indelible mark on the institution,” the former DG remarked.
