IKIRUN, Osun State — Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has framed education as Nigeria’s most reliable shield against “slavery and brute force,” saying an informed population is better equipped to resist tyranny, impunity, and unconstitutional governance. He spoke in Ikirun at the official inauguration of Minaret University and the investiture of its pioneer Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Abdullah Abdur-Rahman.
At the ceremony, Adeleke linked his position to the South-West’s long education legacy, referencing free-education milestones associated with the old Western Region and later reforms. He argued that Osun’s literacy tradition has produced a politically aware citizenry capable of scrutinizing leaders and defending democratic norms.
The governor also praised the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, founders of the new faith-based institution, saying Minaret University adds to Osun’s higher-education ecosystem and supports the state’s ambition to remain a national center of scholarship. Reports indicate he directed the education ministry to review requests from the university for possible state support.
In his address, Chancellor Barrister Azeez Alatoye said Minaret University was established to respond to Nigeria’s social, economic, and moral strains through quality teaching, relevant research, innovation, and community engagement. He said the university begins with programs in Data Science, Information Technology, Computer Science, Cybersecurity, Accounting, Economics, Business Administration, Marketing, and Logistics/Supply Chain Management.
Speaking after his investiture, Vice-Chancellor Prof. Abdur-Rahman outlined a “world-class” vision centered on human-capital development, inclusivity, and global competitiveness. He called for teamwork among management, staff, students, and stakeholders, saying institutional excellence would depend on collaborative governance rather than one individual.
The launch carries broader political and policy significance for Osun. Beyond ceremonial optics, it reflects how private, values-driven universities are increasingly being positioned as engines for employability, ethical leadership, and tech-ready skills in Nigeria’s changing economy. The event also drew high-profile traditional and religious representation, underscoring Minaret’s intention to combine academic ambition with social legitimacy from day one.
