In the spirit of the holy month of Ramadan, the Lagos State University of Education (LASUED), Oto/Ijanikin Muslim Community, in conjunction with the Prof. Bashiru Babatunde Oderinde Foundation held its annual Ramadan lecture on Thursday, 19th February, 2026, at the Senator Oluremi Tinubu Hall.
The Vice-Chancellor of LASUED, Professor Bidemi Bilkis Lafiaji-Okuneye, who was represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Prof. M.A. Shittu highlighted the significance of Ramadan as a period of spiritual renewal and moral discipline. He expressed appreciation to attendees for their presence and encouraged the university community to uphold the values of peace, unity, and integrity.
In his opening remarks, the Chairman of the LASUED Muslim Community, Dr. Ilyas Jinadu warmly welcomed dignitaries and members of the University Community, expressing gratitude to Almighty Allah for granting the Muslim faithful the opportunity to witness another Ramadan season.
The lecture, themed “Islam: An Antidote to Insecurity,” featured Dr. AbdulHakeem AbdulLateef as the guest speaker. In his presentation, Dr. AbdulLateef adopted a practical and simplified approach, observing that while Nigerians are deeply devoted to supplication, there often exists a disconnect between prayer and action. He emphasised that prayers must be complemented with deliberate and responsible conduct, urging participants to align spiritual devotion with practical steps toward societal improvement.
The lecturer further highlighted the critical role of the judiciary in combating insecurity, stressing that criminal acts are man's actions rather than divine will and must be addressed with seriousness, fairness, and impartiality. According to him, effective justice serves as a strong deterrent against criminal behaviour.
Speaking on what he described as the “Parental Antidote,” he cited the Yoruba proverb, “Ile ni a ti n ko eso rode,” meaning that values cultivated at home ultimately shape behaviour in society. He encouraged parents to serve as positive role models by demonstrating integrity, responsibility, and accountability, noting that children learn more from observed actions than spoken words.
Dr. Abdullateef also outlined categories of stakeholders who should be held accountable in addressing crime, stressing that responsibility should not rest solely on perpetrators. He identified passive bystanders, negligent law enforcement officers, legal practitioners who knowingly aid injustice, false witnesses, compromised judicial officers, and political office holders who grant amnesty to undeserving offenders as actors who must uphold justice and accountability.
He concluded by reiterating that Islam provides comprehensive moral, spiritual, and social frameworks capable of addressing insecurity when its teachings are sincerely practiced.
Speaking on behalf of the foundation, Prof. Khadijat Olaniya noted that the annual Ramadan lecture aligns with the foundation’s core values and sustains the enduring legacy of Prof. Bashiru Babatunde Oderinde, whose contributions to education and community development remain impactful.
The event drew prominent personalities, including Alhaji Muhideen S.A.O, Chief Imam of LASUED, and former Chief Imam of LASU, Amidu Sanni, alongside staff, students, and members of the Muslim community.
