By Nkechi Eze
The Obafemi Awolowo University Muslim Graduates’ Association (UNIFEMGA) has called on Nigerians to embrace positive thinking, patriotism and collective responsibility as critical ingredients for national development and sustainable progress.
This formed part of the resolutions reached at the end of the Association’s 2026 Annual National Reunion held at the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, Osun State, between Friday, May 8 and Sunday, May 10, 2026.
According to an official signed statement by the National President of UNIFEMGA, Alhaji Mohamed Buari, and the National Secretary, Alhaji Sefiu Ikudaisi, the conference themed, “The Potential Within Nigeria: Positive Mindset and Communication for Success,” commenced with a special Jumat service at the OAU Central Mosque of Unity.
The statement noted that members of the Association also paid a courtesy visit to the Vice-Chancellor of the University, Professor Adebayo Simeon Bamire, alongside other principal officers of the institution, where issues of mutual interest and the developmental contributions of UNIFEMGA to the university were discussed.
The Association disclosed that a networking dinner sponsored by the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of UNIFEMGA, Alhaji Rafiu Ebiti, focused on value-driven enterprise and investment opportunities in line with the organisation’s core values.
The reunion lecture was delivered by the Director-General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, while the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Matrix Energy Group, Alhaji (Engr.) Abdulkabir Adisa Aliu (FNSE), chaired the occasion. The OAU Vice-Chancellor, Professor Bamire, served as Chief Host.
Also present at the event were the Governor of Osun State, Senator Ademola Adeleke, represented by his Senior Special Assistant on Religious Affairs, Alhaji Bello Adeniyi, and the Pro-Chancellor of the institution, Rt. Hon. Adejare Bello.
As part of its welfare initiatives, the Association presented 140 scholarships worth N14.6 million to students of Obafemi Awolowo University. The statement revealed that since the inception of the scholarship programme in the 2009/2010 academic session, the Association has disbursed a total of N103.4 million to 1,148 students.
UNIFEMGA also launched a N200 million endowment fund for widows and orphans of members as part of efforts to strengthen its welfare support system. Other activities at the reunion included a keep-fit exercise, medical outreach and a novelty football match.
The conference further featured the Association’s Annual General Meeting during which members reviewed activities carried out over the past year and subsequently dissolved and reappointed the national executives for another two-year tenure.
The Association observed that Islam encourages holistic development and supports the adoption of modern ideas and technologies capable of improving human life within the confines of Islamic principles.
It further noted that Nigeria possesses enormous human and material resources capable of transforming the nation into a global force if citizens adopt the right mindset, positive attitudes and a sense of collective responsibility.
The conference expressed concern that negative narratives, disunity, brain drain, obsolete facilities, disruption of academic calendars and outdated curricula continue to undermine national and educational development.
Among its resolutions, the Association stressed that Nigeria’s progress depends largely on the mindset of its citizens and their readiness to contribute meaningfully to national growth.
UNIFEMGA also called for stronger collaboration between universities and the private sector to drive research, innovation and sustainability, while urging government to provide an enabling business environment through improved electricity supply, infrastructure and human capital development.
The Association further advocated increased employment opportunities for unemployed youths to prevent their exploitation for violent activities by criminal elements.
The communiqué concluded by emphasizing that a positive mindset remains the foundation for building a prosperous nation and urged Nigerians to embrace values that promote peace, productivity and unity.
