The Obafemi Awolowo University Muslim Graduates’ Association (UNIFEMGA) has urged Nigerians to embrace positive thinking, patriotism and collective responsibility as pathways to national development.
The call formed part of the resolutions reached at the end of the Association’s 2026 Annual National Reunion held at Obafemi Awolowo University from May 8 to May 10.
The conference, themed “The Potential within Nigeria: Positive Mindset and Communication for Success,” began with a special Jumat service at the OAU Central Mosque of Unity. This was followed by a courtesy visit to the Vice-Chancellor of the institution, Professor Adebayo Simeon Bamire, and other principal officers.
Participants at the reunion observed that Nigeria possesses enormous human and material resources capable of transforming the country into a global force if citizens adopt the right attitudes and a positive mindset.
The reunion lecture was delivered by Lanre Issa-Onilu, Director-General of the National Orientation Agency, while the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Matrix Energy Group, Abdulkabir Adisa Aliu, chaired the occasion.
Also in attendance were representatives of the Osun State Government, including the Senior Special Assistant to Governor Ademola Adeleke on Religious Affairs, Bello Adeniyi, as well as the Pro-Chancellor of the institution, Adejare Bello.
As part of its welfare initiatives, the Association presented 140 scholarships worth N14.6 million to students of the university. UNIFEMGA disclosed that it has disbursed more than N103 million to 1,148 students since the inception of the scholarship scheme during the 2009/2010 academic session.
The Association also launched a N200 million endowment fund for widows and orphans of members.
In a communiqué signed by the National President, Mohamed Buari, and National Secretary, Sefiu Ikudaisi, the Association urged Nigerian youths to remain hopeful and focus on solutions that would move the nation forward.
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UNIFEMGA further called for stronger collaboration between universities and the private sector to enhance research, innovation and sustainability in tertiary institutions.
The Association also urged the government to address challenges confronting higher institutions, including brain drain, obsolete equipment, disruptions to academic calendars and outdated curricula.
According to the communiqué, the government must also provide an enabling environment for businesses through improved electricity supply, infrastructural development and investment in human capital.
The Association stressed that creating employment opportunities for unemployed youths would help curb their exploitation for violent activities by unpatriotic elements.
UNIFEMGA concluded that a positive mindset remains the foundation for building a prosperous and united Nigeria.
