The Governor of Kwara State, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, has asserted that Nigeria's progress is heavily dependent on universities producing graduates who possess sound character in addition to academic qualifications.

Governor AbdulRazaq shared these views during the convocation ceremony of Al-Hikmah University in Ilorin. He emphasised that higher institutions must make a deliberate effort to integrate moral and ethical training with the acquisition of knowledge.

The Governor noted that faith-based institutions, specifically citing Al-Hikmah University, have consistently shown that academic excellence and moral uprightness can go hand-in-hand. He described this educational model as vital for tackling the social and leadership challenges currently facing the nation.

He commended the founder of the university, Alhaji Abdur-Raheem Oladimeji, the Board of Trustees, governing council, management, and staff of the university for maintaining high academic standards while upholding strong moral values rooted in faith.

According to him, the steady growth of the institution, the expansion of its academic programmes, and the quality of graduates it produced reflect purposeful leadership and a clear educational vision.

Addressing the graduating students, the governor urged them to see their education as a responsibility to society rather than a tool for personal advancement alone.

"You are leaving this institution not only with certificates but with values that should guide your conduct wherever you go," he said, calling on them to uphold integrity, professionalism, humility, and service.

Governor AbdulRazaq reaffirmed that education remains a top priority of his administration.

He noted that the Kwara State Government has continued to create an enabling environment for both public and private tertiary institutions through reforms, investments, and stakeholder engagement.

Partnership with Universities

He said the government was open to partnerships with universities in areas such as research and innovation, human capacity development, community engagement, skills acquisition, and entrepreneurship.

The governor stated that sustainable development can only be achieved through collaboration between government and educational institutions.

He congratulated Al-Hikmah University for sustaining its vision of producing graduates who are academically sound and morally upright, and also felicitated the graduating students and their parents on the achievement.

Governor AbdulRazaq was represented at the event by the Deputy Governorof Kwara State, Kayode Alabi.

Major Reforms

In his remarks, the Vice-Chancellor of Al-Hikmah University, Ilorin, Professor Oladimeji Lateef Oladimeji, outlined major reforms and achievements recorded by the institution as he presided over the 15th Convocation Ceremony held at the university's Atere Campus in Ilorin.

Delivering his convocation address, Professor Oladimeji announced that the university has reviewed and increased staff salaries, alongside other welfare packages, as part of efforts to cushion the effects of prevailing economic challenges in the country.

He explained that the move was aimed at boosting staff morale, improving productivity, and sustaining a stable academic environment.

The Vice-Chancellor described the convocation as a moment of gratitude and reflection, noting that it was the first convocation ceremony he would preside over since his appointment as the 6th substantive Vice-Chancellor of Al-Hikmah University on July 14, 2025.

Oladimeji expressed appreciation to Almighty Allah for the progress achieved by the institution and welcomed members of the press and the general public to the historic event.

Unveiling the policy direction of his administration, the Vice-Chancellor introduced the STRESS-FREE agenda, a ten-point strategic framework designed to strengthen governance and drive institutional growth.