The University of Lagos Muslim Alumni (UMA) is set to host its 31st annual pre-Ramadan lecture on Sunday, February 15, 2026, at the University of Lagos, Akoka, Lagos.
The event, themed “The Light Beyond: Guiding Our Souls to Paradise,” will hold at the J.F. Ade Ajayi Main Auditorium from 10 a.m., continuing a three-decade tradition of preparing Muslims spiritually for the holy month of Ramadan.
Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, will chair the occasion, while the Vice Chancellor of UNILAG, Prof. Folashade Ogunsola, will serve as chief host.
The keynote address will be delivered by the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa. The main guest speaker, Prof. Is-haq Oloyede, Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board and Secretary-General of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, will speak on the topic, “Muslims: The Challenge of National Security.”
A second lecture will be delivered by Dr. Ridwan Jamiu, Chief Imam of Lekki Central Mosque, on “The Path to Paradise: How to Get There.”
Beyond the lectures, organisers disclosed that the programme will feature a Qur’an recitation challenge, free medical tests and the distribution of Ramadan palliatives to support members of the community ahead of the fasting period.
Founded in 1995, UMA’s pre-Ramadan lecture series has been held annually without interruption. The initiative serves as a platform to spiritually prepare Muslims for Ramadan, promote religious education and address contemporary issues from an Islamic perspective.
Over the years, the lecture has attracted senior government officials, traditional rulers, academics and Islamic scholars from within and outside Nigeria. Previous themes have examined governance, economic reforms, ethics and social responsibility, reflecting the group’s commitment to blending spiritual growth with civic engagement.
Speaking ahead of this year’s edition, the National President of UMA, Dr. Mumini Alao, said the topics were carefully selected to address current realities.
“We decided to discuss national security as the lead topic this year because it is the biggest challenge facing Nigeria at the moment,” he said. “It is also not a coincidence that Governor Zulum of Borno State will chair the lecture, considering the security challenges his state has faced. The second topic on how to get to paradise is equally significant because that remains the ultimate goal for Muslims.”
He added that the annual lecture also provides an opportunity for Muslim graduates of UNILAG to reunite and give back to society through outreach initiatives.
Ramadan, expected to commence next week, is observed by Muslims worldwide as a month of fasting, prayer, charity and heightened devotion. During the 29 or 30-day period, adherents abstain from food, drink and other physical needs from dawn until sunset.
