Some days leave you with more than photographs, they leave you with lessons, laughter and memories that stay long after the moment has passed. Sunday, September 13, 2026, was one of such days for the 2025/2026 Muslim graduates of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife, as series of activities brought them together to reflect on the future, express their creativity, reconnect with their past and celebrate the journey they had shared.
The day began with the induction into the University of Ife Muslim Graduate Association(UNIFEMGA), held at the OAU Central Mosque of Unity, with the final-year students and UNIFEMGA executives in attendance.
The programme opened with a Quran recitation by Brother Muhyideen, the erstwhile Naibul Ameer, Islamic Affairs Board, MSSN OAU, this was followed by the recognition of Prof. S. O. Obayopo, National Vice President of UNIFEMGA and then a welcome address from the professor who introduced UNIFEMGA as the umbrella body of OAU Muslim graduates.
With the theme, “Mapping the Future: Unlocking Opportunities in the Modern Job Marketplace,” the induction set out to prepare the outgoing graduates for the opportunities and challenges that await them beyond the university.
Prof. Muritala Adam, the head of department of Mechanical Engineering delved into the theme, emphasising that the modern job market values individuals who can bridge gaps whilst making an illustration using the engineering sector. He encouraged the graduates to embrace learning and maintain the mindset of lifelong learners noting that the future is built, not merely awaited. He also stressed the importance of integrity as graduates prepare to navigate the phase of graduates’ lives.
Prof. M. A. Aderogba then spoke on the importance of networking among graduates. He encouraged the graduates to build connections with people who share Muslim graduates’ values whilst also emphasising on the need to uphold integrity in all situations in which one finds himself/herself.
The session concluded with the induction and oath taking of over 100 graduates by Prof. Obayopo who formally welcomed the graduates into the UNIFEMGA community.
From conversations about the future, the activities moved into a more relaxed and creative atmosphere with the Sip and Piant session.
The session provided attendees with an opportunity to paint, explore their creativity and express themselves in a different way. It also created room for networking, allowing participants to interact, connect and present themselves beyond the usual formal setting.
Adding a thoughtful touch to the session, Prof. Muritala Adam delivered a marriage talk for the outgoing graduates, sharing insights relevant to the new phase of life they are preparing to enter.
As the day progressed, the excitement led into the much-anticipated FYB Dinner, the highlight of the day’s activities.
The dinner began around nine o’clock in the evening. A Quran recitation by Brother Ismaeel Abdullah At‑Torbary opened the night with calm. Then Brother Fasasi Yusuf Olumuyiwa, chairman of the Planning Committee welcomed everyone. He set a tone and promised a memorable evening.
The evening unfolded with several activities. First, a spoken word performance sparked creativity and expression and it filled the room filled with ideas.
Next came the Masoyinbo session. Attendees showed Yoruba prowess, they celebrated the Yoruba culture with words and Qaseedah. This display of pride, talent and heritage delighted everyone.
A nostalgic highlight was the “Glimpse into the Past” session. It carried the graduates back in time to the early school days; primary and secondary school. Memories rushed back, stories came alive and laughter spread.
From stories to laughter, the session gave each of the graduates a chance to reminisce, reflect and see how far they had come.
Beyond the performances and activities the dinner also served as a moment to share past experiences, rekindle friendships and appreciate the people who had been part of their university journey.
As the night drew to a close the smiles on everyone’s faces spoke volumes. From the lessons shared at the induction to the creativity of Sip and Paint and finally the laughter and nostalgia of the dinner that day offered a celebration of the journey so far.
The FYB Dinner was more than a gathering; it was a celebration of friendships, culture, shared experiences, and the memories that made the university journey worthwhile, a befitting send-off for a chapter that may be closing, but will always remain a part of them.
Written by Al-Ameen O. Adediran in collaboration with Hikmah Aderigbigbe and Ruqoyah Idris.
