Dr Abubakar Bukola Saraki, the President of the 8th Nigerian Senate, has committed to providing a total sponsorship of N140 million to support the education of 100 students at the newly Commissioned Mohammad Kamaldeen University (MKU) in Ilorin, Kwara State, North Central Nigeria. This donation will cover the full tuition fees of N350,000 per session for the duration of their four-year programmes.
During the announcement at the event, Saraki also pledged additional support by donating projects valued at millions of Naira to the university. Furthermore, he contributed N26 million for the purchase of a vehicle for the institution.
Saraki expressed his pride in being associated with the university, noting its potential to bring honour and prestige to Ilorin, Kwara State, and the entire nation.
As Waziri Ngeri of the Ilorin Emirate, he highlighted the significance of the university’s commissioning as a remarkable achievement for the entire community. Saraki lauded the collaborative efforts that led to the establishment of the university, particularly acknowledging the contributions of the former Chairman of the 8th Senate Committee on Education, Jibril Barau.
The event also saw prominent Nigerians paying tribute to the late Sheikh Muhammad Kamalud-deen Al-Adaby, the founder of Ansarul Islam Society of Nigeria (AISN), for his dedication to integrating Arabic and Western education, which ultimately led to the establishment of Muhammad Kamalden University (MKU) in Ilorin, Kwara State.
The official commissioning of the university received accolades from eminent personalities, including the representative of the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero, Ambassador Ahmad Yakassai, and other distinguished guests.
In his remarks, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, represented by his deputy, Mr Kayode Alabi, described the establishment of the university as “a product of great vision” from Sheikh Kamalud-deen. He emphasized the late Sheikh’s commitment to education and the upliftment of the human race.
The Emir of Kano praised the university’s conducive environment for education and its comprehensive facilities, commending Sheikh Kamalud-deen’s foresight in introducing Western education subjects alongside Arabic in his Arabic schools in Ilorin.
The President of Ansarul Islam Society of Nigeria (AISN), Alhaji Suleiman Afolabi, disclosed that the university would require a total of N215 million for its needs during the upcoming 2023/2024 academic session, which is scheduled to commence in January 2024.
Prof Rasheed Jimoh, the Vice Chancellor of MKU, expressed gratitude to the dignitaries and donors for their support. He reiterated the university’s commitment to being an exemplary institution for teaching, research, and the production of morally upright and globally competitive graduates, in addition to community service, emphasizing its ICT-driven approach.
The event was graced by the presence of the Emir of Ilorin and Chancellor of MKU, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, the Pro-Chancellor of the University, Prof. Shuaib AbdulRaheem, and the chairman of the Central Planning Committee of the event, Engr. Ahmad Ibrahim, alongside other esteemed attendees.
It is important to note that the Mohammad Kamaldeen University is an initiative of the Ansar-ul Islam Society of Nigeria, proudly founded by the Late Sage, Sheikh Muhammad Kamalud-Deen Al-Adaby.
