Crescent University, Abeokuta, has marked its 20th Founder's Day with a special prayer event honouring the memory of its late founder, Prince Bola Abdul Jabbar Ajibola, with speakers reflecting on his legacy as a Jurist, Islamic Scholar, and Institution Builder whose contributions extended well beyond Nigeria's borders.
The ceremony was held at the Gbadela Hall of the Islamic Mission for Africa (IMA) in Abeokuta, where former Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, Barr Zikrullah Kunle Hassan, delivered an address drawing a line between the historical symbolism of the Crescent and the values that shaped the University that Prince Ajibola established.
Hassan described the late founder as an epitome of Islamic evangelisation in Yorubaland who "made tireless efforts in da'wah, bringing together Scholars to address contemporary issues affecting Muslims." He noted that rather than retiring into comfort after a distinguished legal career, Prince Ajibola chose to invest his resources in building an Institution designed to serve future generations.
The Secretary General of the IMA, Alhaji Saheed Aweda, traced the origins of the mission, which Prince Ajibola established in December 1996 alongside the African Concern charity in Lusaka, Zambia, to present Islam as a religion of peace and coexistence. The mission later evolved from the Islamic Movement for Africa into the Islamic Mission for Africa to address misconceptions about its activities.
Vice Chancellor Professor Ibraheem Gbajabiamila described the University as the founder's greatest achievement, noting that it was established specifically to expand educational access for young Muslims, particularly female students, who have since gone on to excel across multiple disciplines.
Proprietor and Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Prince Muhammed Ma'ruf Adesegun Ajibola, acknowledged the weight of leading the Institution and credited his management team for their support in sustaining the founder's vision.
