University of Lagos Muslim Alumni (UMA) has returned sports media veteran Dr Mumuni Alao as its National President following the association’s latest elective congress.
Alao returned at 37th AGM and congress
Alao, the writer of the SoccerTalk column and Executive Consultant at Complete Communications Limited, which publishes Complete Sports, secured another term at UMA’s 37th Annual General Meeting and Elective Congress.
The gathering took place on Sunday at the University of Lagos Mosque Islamic Centre in Akoka and drew members attending both in person and online.
- Cheques totalling N19.25 million were handed to the 2026 group of UMA scholarship recipients.
- Zakat beneficiaries received a combined N5.16 million.
- The outgoing National Executive Council presented its report on its time in office.
- Members considered plans for a student hostel estimated at N960 million.
- Alumni leaders delivered goodwill messages during the congress.
The programme also included a lecture, “Unlocking Real Estate Opportunities Amid Lagos State’s Housing Deficit,” presented by Mr Abdulhafis Gbolahan Toriola, Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Ministry of Housing.
Selection process and new executive
Prof Luqman Adams, chairman of the UMA Shurah Committee, explained the approach used to identify nominees for the National Executive Council that will serve from 2026 to 2028.
He said the committee examined the association’s constitution, previous nomination documents and the eligibility of prospective candidates. Its assessment also covered the record of the departing executive, attendance at UMA meetings and events, and members’ response to duties assigned to them. The committee consulted Alao and sought input from the council of elders before making its recommendations.
Adams praised Alao’s work in office, calling it both a “yeoman’s job” and a “fantastic job”, before confirming his re-election as National President.
- Prof Shakirudeen Odunuga was appointed Vice President I for Akoka.
- Dr Zainab Shogbesan-Yisa became Vice President II for the University of Lagos College of Medicine.
- Alhaji Tajudeen Adebanjo was selected as Secretary General, with AbdulHakeem Olubunmi Qazeem as Assistant Secretary General.
- Dr Bilqees Oladunni-Mohammad was named Public Relations Officer I for Akoka, while Dr Aminah Adegoke took the Public Relations Officer II role for the College of Medicine.
- Taiwo Kuye, FCA, was chosen as Financial Secretary and Alhaji Muftau Tijani as Treasurer.
- Babatunde Jamiu Yusuf was appointed Internal Auditor.
- Professor Taofeeqah Adesalu became Welfare Officer I for Akoka, with Dr Zainab Olaniyan appointed Welfare Officer II for the College of Medicine.
- Dr Issa Adedokun was selected as Legal Adviser and Dr Ibrahim Shittu as Education Officer.
- Senator Shuaib Afolabi Salisu, who represents Ogun Central Senatorial District, and Professor Khalid Adekoya, Director of the University of Lagos School of Foundation Studies, will serve as ex-officio members.
Acceptance and report on the outgoing term
In his acceptance remarks, Alao gave thanks to Allah, repeating “Alhamdulillah” before reciting Surah Al-Fatihah, the Qur’an’s opening chapter. He ended by praising Allah and offering prayers and blessings for Prophet Muhammad.
Earlier, in delivering the stewardship report for the 2024-2026 executive, Alao thanked Allah for allowing the NEC to complete its two-year mandate.
“About two years ago, we were given the mantle to steer the ship of our association. We thank Allah that we are berthing the ship today without any loss of life in our ranks,” he said.
Among the administration’s notable activities was the UMA retreat staged in Ijebu Ode, Ogun State, from December 5 to 7, 2025. The event carried the theme, “Repositioning UMA: Rekindling Purpose, Expanding Frontiers.”
The outcomes from that retreat were later compiled and published as a book intended to support implementation and oversight.
Alao also reported that UMA’s website had been relaunched, enabling members to register, pay subscriptions and conduct other association business digitally. He urged alumni to check the website frequently and to remain engaged through the group’s WhatsApp platform.
Scholarships, welfare and projects ahead
The president said UMA raised more than N100 million for its postgraduate scholarship scheme in 2025, a record figure for the programme at that stage.
- The funding allowed 23 beneficiaries to receive scholarships in one round.
- A further 28 applicants were recommended for 2026 awards valued at about N20 million.
- UMA launched a scholarship-fund endowment drive with a N750 million target.
- About N130 million had been gathered for the endowment when the report was presented.
On welfare matters, Alao said the association revived its Zakat and Sadaqat Fund in February 2026, raising more than N5 million. The N5.16 million allocated went to 23 UMA members in need, with their names withheld to preserve their dignity.
He identified the proposed student hostel as a central assignment for the incoming executive. His administration had begun considering off-campus alternatives after an earlier plan involving the University of Lagos authorities—covering the acquisition, renovation and management of a female hostel—was halted.
A preliminary architectural plan has been produced for the project, whose projected building cost is N960 million.
Alao added that UMA had shortlisted Hilal Takaful Insurance for a proposed members’ group insurance package. The next executive will be expected to confirm the appointment if the membership is satisfied with the offer.
He also pointed to UMA’s weekly Da’wah newsletter, which offers spiritual and professional guidance based on the Qur’an and Hadith.
UMA has continued to maintain positive ties with the University of Lagos Muslim Community and the institution’s MSSN branch. The association has backed Ramadan meal initiatives for students, created an annual welfare cash grant for MSSN members and contributed to send-off events for graduating students, where new graduates are formally welcomed into the alumni body.
