The long-awaited resumption at Obafemi Awolowo University unfolded with renewed vibrancy as Muslim freshmen were warmly received by the Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria (MSSN), OAU. From the campus gates to the hostels, dedicated volunteers positioned at strategic points guided, cheered, and assisted new students, ensuring a seamless welcome into the OAU Muslim community.
Adding colour and chatter to the bustling atmosphere was the entourage of Al-Fathia Ventures, whose stalls dotted various locations across campus, providing essential items and comfort to the incoming students.
Earlier expectations for resumption had been dampened by an unexpected two-week strike, which disrupted the schedule of the Freshers’ Orientation Committee (FOC). Before the strike, the FOC Chairman, Muhammad Asimiyu, had announced on October 11, 2025, that welcoming activities would commence at 8:00 a.m. The industrial action, however, briefly stalled the plans.
But once news of the strike suspension spread across social media, momentum surged back. MSSN volunteers swiftly reorganized, ensuring that all structures were in place ahead of students’ return.
As freshmen arrived with luggage and excitement, MSSN buses driven by road-savvy personnel offered transportation from the campus gate to the University’s wall—one of the society’s notable welfare initiatives for every academic session.
The formal welcoming activities kicked off at the Anglo-Moz area, where volunteers were stationed across busy walkways and halls to provide directions, assist with registration processes, attended to inquiries, and extended a warm reception to accompanying parents, reinforcing MSSN’s culture of hospitality and brotherhood
In continuation of its engagement efforts, the organization officially sent a cordial invitation to the freshmen for an event titled
Freshers Meetup —a thoughtful and engaging session aimed at fostering interactions between the Central Executives and the freshmen.
The society hosted the Muslim freshmen at the Freshers’ Meet-up on Saturday, November 8, at the OAU Central Mosque of Unity, featuring sessions such as Meet Your Excos, a painting challenge, games, refreshments, and networking opportunities designed to foster early bonding. The programme brimmed with brightness and creativity, promoting teamwork and fellowship—indeed, full of sweet fruits, and colours!
The activities continued on Sunday, November 9, with the Freshers’ Orientation Programme themed
Sacred Synergy: The Union of Faith and Energy.
The programme featured Qur’an recitations, introductions of invited guests, the Ameer’s welcome address, an admonition from the MSSN OAU IAB, and a value-laden address by the Chairman of the day, Professor O. K. Owolarafe.
The Freshmen Orientation Lecture and e-portal interface session included an ICT and CGPA-calculation workshop, an overview of MSSN activities, an overview of MSSN tutorials, and a speech from the Central Executive Council. The event concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by the FOC Vice Chairman.
Rounding off the orientation series was the Seeroh Night , where attendees were inspired by the life stories of Uthman bn Affan and Imam Bukhariyy, delivered by Ustadh Abdullah Abbas and Ustadh Abdulkareem Aminullah respectively.
Through its well-coordinated activities, welfare-driven initiatives, and spiritually uplifting programmes, MSSN OAU has already set a warm and reassuring tone for the 2025/2026 academic session. For many freshmen, their very first step on campus has already been met with a profound sense of belonging, courtesy of a faith-driven community poised to serve, inspire, and uphold the bonds of brotherhood and sisterhood among students.
