The 2026 annual reunion of the Obafemi Awolowo University Muslim Graduates Association (UNIFEMGA) will commence in Ile-Ife, Osun State, on Friday, with discussions expected to focus on Nigeria's untapped opportunities and the role of citizens in national development. The three-day gathering, scheduled from May 8 to May 10, will be held at Oduduwa Hall on the Obafemi Awolowo University campus in Ile-Ife.
Keynote Lecture and Theme
The Director-General of the National Orientation Agency, Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, is slated to deliver the 2026 reunion lecture on Saturday. His address will center on the theme, “The Potentials Within Nigeria.” According to a statement issued by the chairman of the planning committee, Prof. Sirajudeen Obayopo, and the association’s public relations officer, Ibraheem Fagbenro, the reunion will convene alumni, professionals, policymakers, and other stakeholders to examine areas of opportunity across the country. The organizers noted that this year’s conference would also provide a platform for conversations on sustainable development, youth empowerment, innovation, and nation-building.
Dignitaries and Participants
Prof. Obayopo announced that the event will be chaired by Alhaji Abdulkabir Adisa Aliu, managing director and chief executive officer of Matrix Energy Ltd. The Vice-Chancellor of Obafemi Awolowo University, Prof. Adebayo Simeon Bamire, will attend as a special guest, while the chairman of the UNIFEMGA board of trustees, Alhaji AbdulRafiu Ebiti, will serve as chief host. Other expected participants include Prof. Yusuf Olaolu Ali (SAN); the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof. Wahab Egbewole (SAN); the Vice-Chancellor of Summit University, Offa, Prof. Musa Aibinu; the Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Health Sciences, Ila Orangun, Prof. Akeem Lasisi; and the Chief Imam of Obafemi Awolowo University, Prof. Abubakar Sanusi.
Activities Schedule
Activities will commence on Friday with a Jumu’ah service. Delegates will also pay courtesy visits to the Vice-Chancellor of the university and the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi. A networking dinner will follow later in the day, featuring the UNIFEMGA Investors Forum 3.0, which will be hosted by Alhaji Rafiu Ebiti.
Investors’ Forum
One of the main attractions of the reunion is the UNIFEMGA Investors’ Forum. The organizers described the session as modeled after the television program “Dragons’ Den,” providing entrepreneurs with an opportunity to present business ideas before potential investors. A panel discussion on building a value-driven enterprise in Nigeria will also take place during the networking session.
Additional Events
Other activities lined up for the reunion include a welcome reception for delegates, a student picnic, scholarship presentations, the association’s annual general meeting, student empowerment programs, keep-fit sessions, medical checks, and novelty matches among branches. The organizers emphasized that the annual reunion has grown into one of the association’s flagship gatherings, helping members strengthen professional ties while encouraging collective action on national issues.
Call to Action
Speaking ahead of the event, the national president of UNIFEMGA, Alhaji Mohammed Buari, stated that Nigeria remains rich in human and material resources. He said the conference would serve as a call for Nigerians to look inward, work together, and unlock the country’s vast potential. The organizers reported that more than 300 delegates, including participants from the diaspora, have already registered for the reunion. They expressed confidence that this year’s edition will bring together people committed to progress, unity, and national development.
