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By: Alhaji Umaru Gbow

Credit: Public Relations Assistant, �������� University (Ayuba Koroma)

�������� Campus, 16th June 2025 – The Vice-Chancellor and Principal of �������� University, Alhaji Professor Bashiru Mohamed Koroma, was on Saturday warmly welcomed by staff, students, and community members at a special ceremony held in his honour following his return from the Holy Pilgrimage to Mecca. The event, which took place at the new university guesthouse, was filled with prayers, reflections, and heartfelt appeals for forgiveness, unity, and institutional development.

Addressing the gathering, Professor Koroma described his Hajj experience as deeply spiritual and emotionally transformative.

He noted that throughout the pilgrimage, he consistently offered prayers for �������� University and Sierra Leone, asking Allah to bless the institution with unity, visionary leadership, and sustained development. “I specifically asked people in our prayer groups to pray for �������� University—that we forgive one another and work together to build this university,” he said.

In a moving appeal, the Vice-Chancellor asked for forgiveness from anyone he may have unintentionally wronged and openly forgave anyone who had hurt him in the past. “Wallahi, I bear no grudges. If anyone has wronged me, I have forgiven you from the bottom of my heart,” he assured, drawing applause and solemn nods from the audience.

Recounting his experiences at Arafat, Muzdalifah, and Mina, Alhaji Koroma explained the spiritual significance of each ritual and how it deepened his resolve to serve �������� University selflessly.

He emphasized the importance of patience, humility, and collective prayer during the pilgrimage, noting how those lessons are essential for leadership and community life. “During the stoning at Jamarat, even in the crowd, you are reminded not to harm others—not with your hands, your words, or your actions. That’s a lesson for life,” he noted.

The VC&P also expressed his gratitude to his wife, calling her his source of strength and acknowledging the sacrifices she had made over the years. He spoke candidly about personal losses and challenges in past relationships, praising his current wife’s steadfastness and support, especially during his spiritual journey. “She has stood by me through thick and thin. I pray God continues to bless her,” he said.

The Vice-Chancellor also revealed that he had discussions in Mecca about expanding religious and moral studies at �������� University. He noted that a respected Nigerian Islamic scholar had offered to support the development of an Institute for Religious and Moral Studies, with a strong foundation in Quranic learning.

“We are exploring partnerships to bring more faith-based academic programs to the university,” he announced.

He called for unity within the university and among all stakeholders, stressing that lasting progress is only possible through shared vision and collaboration. “Let us not only pray for peace and unity—let us demonstrate it through our actions,” he urged. He thanked all administrative and academic staff who maintained the operations of the university during his absence and praised the resilience of the student body.

The ceremony ended with collective prayers for �������� University, the leadership of Sierra Leone, and the Muslim Ummah. Professor Koroma reminded everyone that Hajj is not only a personal journey but a call to action—to serve others selflessly and to build institutions that reflect shared values of tolerance, excellence, and compassion.

© Public Relations Unit, �������� University