Bola Ajibola’s legacy shaping education, law sectors, says Ex-NAHCON chair
The former Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Alhaji Zikrullah Kunle Hassan, has paid glowing tribute to the late jurist and founder of Crescent University, Abeokuta, Prince
- By Tajudeen Adebanjo
The former Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Alhaji Zikrullah Kunle Hassan, has paid glowing tribute to the late jurist and founder of Crescent University, Abeokuta, Prince Abdul-Jabbar Bola Ajibola.
He described him as a towering figure whose legacy continues to shape education, law, and Islamic development in Nigeria.
Alhaji Hassan, who is the Chairman of Fajr Centre, Lagos, delivered the keynote commemorative paper at the 20th Founder’s Day celebration of Crescent University, held at the IMA Research Centre in Abeokuta, Ogun State.
Reflecting on Ajibola’s passing in April 2023 at the age of 89, he described the loss as monumental, noting that his contributions to justice, scholarship, and Islamic propagation remain indelible both in Nigeria and globally.
He described Crescent University, founded in 2005 through Ajibola’s personal resources, as the late sage’s most enduring legacy, symbolising sacrifice, vision, and identity, and standing as the first Muslim faith-based university in South-West Nigeria.
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According to Hassan, the institution has become a model for combining academic excellence with moral discipline, producing graduates who contribute meaningfully to national development as ethical and responsible leaders.
“In a region dominated by mission-owned universities, Crescent University stands as the first Muslim faith-based university in Southwest,” he said.
Beyond education, he highlighted Ajibola’s contributions to the legal profession, including founding the Nigerian Institute of Chartered Arbitrators, serving as President of the Nigerian Bar Association, and later as Nigeria’s Attorney-General, as well as his role as a judge at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague.
Alhaji Hassan urged the university to deepen its impact by aligning academic programmes with modern realities, including entrepreneurship, technology, and industry collaboration.
He said institutions like Crescent University must go beyond academic instruction to address societal challenges such as unemployment, social instability, and ethical decline.
“When students are trained not only to succeed but to serve society, they become agents of national development,” he said.
Crescent University Vice Chancellor Prof. Ibraheem Gbajabiamila emphasised that the legacy of the late Ajibola extends far beyond his roles in the Islamic Mission for Africa (IMA), his tenure as Attorney-General, his diplomatic service, and his position at the International Court of Justice in The Hague.
According to him, the establishment of Crescent University remains the most enduring symbol of Ajibola’s life and vision.
Prof. Gbajabiamila, who joined the institution in the 2010/2011 academic session, reflected on the founder’s strong passion for girl-child education. He noted that at inception, the university had a gender ratio of about 70 per cent male to 30 per cent female.
However, he recalled that as far back as 2017, Prince Ajibola expressed his desire to see a balanced 50–50 ratio. Over time, while the founder was still alive, the trend shifted significantly, with female students rising to about 70 per cent, compared to 30 per cent male.
Prof. Gbajabiamila said this milestone was achieved during Ajibola’s lifetime, and he was particularly delighted, as it aligned with his vision of advancing girl-child education.
Mrs Mahruf Ajibola, SAN, said the gathering was not just a remembrance or special prayer for the late sage. He described it as a reunion for the family, providing an opportunity to come together once again while keeping the focus on ensuring the institution achieves its goals.
“I am very happy with the progress we have made so far, and I must commend the management for keeping the legacy alive,” he said.
He expressed his appreciation for the organisation of the special prayer and the choice of the guest speaker, describing him as a learned colleague, good friend, and brother, someone he admires for his dedication.
