In clear testament to the adage that commands, “Sincerity of Intention” and “Unity of Purpose”, inestimable fond memories filled the air when alumnus of now defunct, “Awayewasere College of Arabic & Islamic Studies,” Ososa-Ijebu, founded by the great industrialist and philanthropist, Alhaji (Dr.) Sulaimon Adegunwa, OFR reunited on Saturday 8th November, 2025 at Felicity Hotel, GRA, Igbeba, Ijebu-Ode.
Under the banner of, “ACAISOSU”, old students of this one of the foremost Islamic Colleges reputed not only for its assemblage of finesses lecturers and Islamic Scholars but regarded as fountain of learning and citadel of knowledge during its active years gathered to recall their golden days at the higher institution back then.
ACAISOSU, the acronyms for, “Awayewaserere College of Arabic & Islamic Old Students Union” is a noble Assembly of all the sets that have passed through the College and whom the College equally passed through when it existed and it intends to wholly integrate and indiscriminately accommodate even the existing old students that are partitioned with and classified by “Sets”. It’s an Association of accomplished men and women from all walks of life and who have distinguished themselves in various fields of human endeavors. The UNION had in the previous day met with the founder and visited its pioneer provost, Alhaji Rasheed Mayaleeke and other lecturers who instilled pious Islamic principles and practices into their students.
Set-by-set, a representative was called to come and shared his or her fondest memories during their days at the ancient town of Chief Hubert Ogunde, the doyen of theater art in Nigeria. These reminiscences by representatives of each set were not only memorable but relishable and the reunion wished the old days could be rewound. And the funniest part was when the whole people who gave testimonies and others present unanimously attested that if given chance again, they will still attend the Islamic College but naturally and pitiably, “it takes one and only chance at been a kid!
As it’s true that the purpose of life is life of purpose, the alumni are purposefully reuniting on a specific-based 3-Mandate namely:
1. Regular visitation and supporting their lecturers who labored to made them what they are today as role models and exemplars ambassadors of Islamic tenets;
2. Meeting with the founder, Alhaji (Dr.) Sulaimon Adegunwa, OFR so as to possibly work on how the college can be revived and restored its glory;
3. And above all, see to the College’s revival so it can resume serving the original purposes for which the incorruptible man who came up with the concept and unwaveringly ensure the idea came to reality, Alhaji (Dr.) Rasheed Mayaleke,
Glowing tributes were paid to their lecturers who resolutely stood as father-figures in enviably transforming their lives for better while prayers were offered to the deceased among these great scholars. And one of the highpoints of the day’s activities, was when the reunion members present passed, “Vote of Confidence” on the existing interim executives and the motion for resolution was moved to validate their posts and extend their tenure for the next 12 months subject to when the reunion would have been properly institutionalized by ways of having their incorporation done with Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), open and be operating corporate bank accounts and having functioning, credible and acceptable Constitution to rightly guide and firmly guard the conduct of the alumni’ affairs to greater heights.
The following were the noble men and women of substances who pioneered the REUNION, saw and key into the vision and mission of the founding fathers of the College:
1. Alhaji Nurudeen Amuni – Amir
2. Alhaji Adekunle Jibril – Coordinator/Convener
3. Alhaja Rofiah Rufai – Amirah General
4. Alhaja Monsurat Lawal – General Secretary
5. Alhaja Latifat Shuaibbu – Financial Secretary
6. Alhaja Idayat Ismail – Treasurer
7. Alhaja Toyibat Arogunmasa – Secretary I
8. Sister Rasheedat Ismaeel – Secretary II
9. Barrister Abdul-Azeez – Legal Adviser
However, the broad aims and objectives of an old students’ union for a College of Arabic and Islamic Studies typically include fostering a lifelong connection between alumni and the college, supporting current students (if it’s still existing), preserving and promoting the study of Arabic knowledge and Islamic tenets, and providing a network for professional and personal development among graduates.
Further comprehensive aims and objectives include but not limited to:
Ø Enhance the institution’s quality, support its students, and ensure the continued relevance and excellence of its graduates;
Ø Facilitate and garner holistic support for the students and alumni;
Ø Represent the interests and welfare of both current students and alumni;
Ø Provide mentorship and role modeling to its current students in their academic and career paths;
Ø Create a robust mutually beneficial network for alumni for professional and personal development through professional connections and synergies;
Ø Encourage Islamic community and elevate pride among graduates and current students;
