2027: Al-Hikmah VC Urges Professors Not To Be Tools For Election Manipulation 

 

The Vice-Chancellor of Al-Hikmah University, Ilorin, Professor Lateef Folorunsho Oladimeji, has urged Nigerian professors to uphold the integrity of the academic profession by resisting attempts by politicians to manipulate election outcomes through them.

Speaking with journalists in Ilorin on Saturday, Oladimeji said academics appointed by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) must regard electoral assignments as a national service that requires honesty, courage and an unwavering commitment to justice.

He noted that INEC’s continued engagement of professors and vice-chancellors for key electoral responsibilities is rooted in the confidence Nigerians repose in the academic community as a body of disciplined and principled professionals.

“The electoral umpire in Nigeria must have carefully assessed the various groups in the country and concluded that academics are among those who should be regarded as incorruptible. That is why professors and vice-chancellors have continued to play significant roles in election management,” he said.

The Vice-Chancellor commended the many academics who have discharged electoral responsibilities with distinction over the years, saying their commitment has helped strengthen public confidence in Nigeria’s democratic process.

He, however, expressed concern that a few professors had compromised their integrity during previous elections, stressing that such individuals do not represent the ideals and ethical standards of the academic profession.

“There were a few of our colleagues who compromised, and that is quite unfortunate. They do not represent the true values of academia or the quality expected of professors,” he said.

With preparations for the 2027 general elections gathering momentum, Oladimeji urged academics who may be engaged by INEC to remain impartial and resist every form of inducement capable of undermining the credibility of the electoral process.

“My charge to professors is that whoever is invited should discharge that responsibility with the highest level of commitment. They should not compromise in any way. We must always do the right thing,” he said.

The university administrator, who recently marked his first year as the sixth Vice-Chancellor of Al-Hikmah University, said universities have a threefold mandate of teaching, research and community service, noting that participation in election management is an important aspect of serving society.

Reflecting on his first year in office, Oladimeji described his administration as “so far, so fair,” attributing the institution’s achievements to divine grace and the collective commitment of staff and stakeholders.

He said his experience as a foundation staff member and his service in several strategic positions—including pioneer Head of the Department of Islamic Studies, Director of Academic Planning, Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Registrar—provided him with a deep understanding of the university’s vision, challenges and aspirations.

According to him, the implementation of his “Stress-Free Mantra” has begun yielding remarkable results, with the institution recording the highest student enrolment in its history.

He disclosed that Al-Hikmah admitted over 2,000 undergraduate students during the last admission exercise, while postgraduate enrolment exceeded 2,700 students.

He added that the university’s sandwich programme also recorded more than 1,000 fresh admissions, attributing the growth to deliberate efforts to expand access without compromising academic standards.

Highlighting academic milestones recorded under his administration, Oladimeji revealed that all 23 undergraduate programmes and five postgraduate programmes presented to the National Universities Commission (NUC) for accreditation secured full accreditation.

He described the achievement as a significant milestone, noting that accreditation remains central to quality assurance and public confidence in university education.

The Vice-Chancellor further disclosed that the university had received approval from the NUC to commence Open and Distance Learning (ODL) programmes, enabling workers and other prospective students to pursue university degrees without leaving their jobs.

According to him, the initiative will broaden access to higher education and make quality university education available to more Nigerians regardless of their location.

On the institution’s core values, Oladimeji said Al-Hikmah University remains committed to producing graduates distinguished not only by academic excellence but also by sound moral character.

He explained that the university’s motto, “Learning for Wisdom and Morality,” reflects its enduring commitment to discipline, ethical conduct and responsible citizenship, adding that both staff and students are expected to uphold these ideals.

The Vice-Chancellor also noted that the university’s impact now extends beyond Nigeria, citing alumni who occupy strategic positions in countries such as Canada and The Gambia.

According to him, the institution continues to earn commendation for producing graduates who are making meaningful contributions across diverse sectors globally, while its Centre for Community Development regularly undertakes outreach programmes across Kwara State to promote public health awareness and community development.

Speaking on the Kwara State Government’s ambition to position the state as an innovation hub, Oladimeji disclosed that Al-Hikmah University is actively collaborating with the government through strategic partnerships and engagements.

He said the university has held several meetings with relevant government officials and recently hosted a seminar attended by commissioners as part of efforts to support the state’s innovation agenda.

“There is a collaborative effort ongoing. Our university has been holding meetings with the officers concerned at the Kwara State level. Recently, we hosted a seminar attended by several commissioners.

“It aligns with the state’s innovation hub initiative because we believe in synergy with organisations whose programmes are consistent with our philosophy and vision,” he said.

Oladimeji added that entrepreneurship remains a major pillar of his administration through the AbdulRahim Oladimeji Centre for Vocational and Entrepreneurial Services, where every undergraduate, irrespective of discipline, receives practical entrepreneurial training.

He explained that the programme is designed to produce graduates who become employers of labour rather than job seekers.

He added that students are assisted to register companies with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) before graduation and are equipped with the necessary structures and skills to launch their businesses immediately after leaving the university.