The University of Lagos Muslim Alumni (UMA) is set to host its 30th Pre-Ramadan Lecture on Sunday, February 23, with the theme “The Transformative Power of Ramadan”.
This year’s edition promises to be a memorable one, featuring distinguished guest speakers Prof Mashood Baderin and Justice Abdur-Raheem Ahmad Sayi.
According to UMA National President, Dr Mumini Alao, the lecture will take place at the J.F. Ajayi Auditorium, University of Lagos, Akoka. Dr Alao explained that the theme was chosen to highlight the benefits of Ramadan, enabling Muslim faithful to prepare and maximize the holy month.
Dr Alao said Baderin is an expert in Islamic Law and International Human Rights Law, which makes him a perfect fit for the lead topic.
Baderin, he said, is making a second appearance in the annual lecture series, having delivered the 14th edition’s lecture in 2008.
He said Justice Sayi, going by his training and vocation, has the requisite qualification and practical knowledge of the second topic.
While Prof Baderin will speak on”Islam at the Intersection of Humanity and Religion, Justice Sayi will handle Shari’ah in Southwest Nigeria”.
According to him, the topics were inspired by the apparent dilemma of Muslims on how to find the right balance between the demands of our faith, and the rights of our neighbours which sometimes might be in conflict.
Alao said: “During the past few weeks, this subject matter has come to the front burner following developments in Ekiti State where a traditional ruler purportedly “banned” the setting up of a Shari’ah Arbitration Panel as an Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanism between and among willing Muslims in his domain. Is it true that the Shari’ah is strange to South West Nigeria?
Is there no history, past or present, of its adoption and application in the private lives of willing Muslims in the region? Is it against the Nigerian Constitution for willing Muslims to opt for adjudication of some aspects of their personal lives according to the Shari’ah? Do traditional rulers or government officials have the power to ban private citizens from adopting an Alternative Dispute Resolution instrument of their choice?”
Alao added that other dignitaries expected at the event include the Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat; former Governor of Zamfara State Senator Abdul’aziz Yari; the Olowu of Owu Kingdom, Oba (Professor) Saka Matemilola, UNILAG Vice Chancellor, Prof Folasade Ogunsola, is the Chief Host.
Alao said the UMA has introduced some innovations this year to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the lecture. One of them is a “Qur’an Recitation Challenge” amongst primary, secondary and Arabic school children, the winners of which will be announced at the lecture.
He said special recognition awards would also be given to some of the scholars that have delivered its lectures in the past, while the UMA Medical team will offer free medical checks to early arrivals before the programme proper gets under way.
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Alao said during the last three decades, the UNILAG Muslim Alumni Pre-Ramadan lecture has established itself as the forerunner of all other Ramadan lectures in Lagos and, indeed, the whole of South West Nigeria.