Minaret University, Ikirun, on Thursday, April 30, 2026, held its maiden matriculation ceremony for the 2025/2026 academic session formally welcoming its pioneer students into a new chapter of faith-driven academic excellence.
The occasion carried a significance that extends far beyond the borders of Nigeria. Minaret University holds the historic distinction of being the first university established by the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community worldwide a landmark achievement that places Ikirun, Osun State, at the heart of a global milestone in Islamic education and community development.
The historic ceremony was graced by the Amir of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at of Nigeria and Chancellor of the University, Alhaji (Barr.) Alatoye Folorunso Azeez, who attended as the representative of the University Visitor, His Holiness Hazrat Khalifatul Masih V, Hadhrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad (atba). Also in attendance were the Naib Amir for Finance and Administration, Alhaji (Engr.) Mufadhil Bankole; Pro-Chancellor of Minaret University Alhaji Comrade Hassan Sumonu; Sadr Majlis Ansarullah, Alhaji Dauda A. Raji; and several distinguished members of the National Amila of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at of Nigeria.
Their presence underscored the deep communal and institutional investment behind a university that the global Ahmadiyya Muslim Community can rightly call its own.
A total of 12 pioneer students were formally inducted a number modest in size but monumental in meaning. As the first ever students to be matriculated at the first Ahmadiyya-owned university in the world, their place in history is already secured.
Addressing the matriculants, the Chancellor set a clear and inspiring tone for the occasion. He told the students:
“You are privileged to be the pioneer students of this university. You will be remembered as those who set the standard academically, socially, and morally. I therefore urge you to dedicate yourselves fully to your studies, uphold the values and rules of the University, demonstrate discipline and integrity in all your actions, and strive for excellence at all times. Remember, success is not achieved by chance but through hard work, perseverance, and character.”
The Vice Chancellor, Professor Abdul Rahman O. Abdullah, in his matriculation address, noted with deep gratitude that the university received its operational licence in April 2025 and that exactly one year later, in the same month of April, it was holding its first-ever matriculation. He described the timing as a special providence and a testimony to the grace of Allah and the dedication of all who worked tirelessly to bring the vision to life. He charged the pioneer students to uphold the university’s founding philosophy of producing graduates who are not only academically sound but morally grounded men and women of integrity, purpose, and service.
For the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at of Nigeria and indeed the global Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, Thursday’s matriculation is more than a ceremony it is the living proof that a dream nurtured across generations has finally taken root. For the 12 pioneer students, it is the beginning of a journey they will one day recount with quiet pride as those who came first, carried the torch, and set the standard for all who will follow.
