The Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, has urged Nigerian academics to focus attention on how to effectively employ their intellectual wherewithal to the development efforts of their communities.
The Emir made the call on Tuesday in his palace at a special prayer session organised in honour of 20 indigenes of Ilorin Emirate who were recently promoted to the rank of professors by the management of University of Ilorin (UNILORIN).
Sulu-Gambari commended the authorities of the university for acknowledging the intellectual capacities and scholastic contributions of the people.
He expressed joy over what he called “uncommon development” in the history of Ilorin Emirate.
The Emir said that the development was the first time the Emirate would be simultaneously producing such a large number of scholars who would attain the pinnacle of their academic careers.
He rejoiced with Prof. Muhammad Mustapha-Akanbi of UNILORIN on his elevation to the prestigious rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN).
He urged the new professors and their colleagues to be mindful of their individual and collective responsibilities to the society.
He advised them to employ their teaching, research and community development efforts toward the alleviation of socio-cultural, economic and political challenges facing the society.
The emir specifically enjoined them to be united and focus their attention toward using their intellect, exposure and contacts in facilitating development in the emirate.
The Deputy Chief Imam of Ilorin, Sheikh Abdullahi AbdulHameed, who led the prayer session, thanked Allah “for the shower of blessings recorded by those distinguished sons and daughters of Ilorin.
“I want to implore those honoured not to rest on their oars but to continue to strive to keep the flag of knowledge, for which Ilorin is renowned.” (NAN)