• As students’ body launches “the next big thing” to mark 70 years anniversary
• Honours memories of Adegbite, Aromashodun, Adetola-Kazeem, other founding fathers
The Muslim Students Society of Nigeria (MSSN), Lagos State Area Unit, has charged the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led administration and government at all levels to prioritise education, noting investment in education is investment in the future of the country.
The Muslim students’ body made the call at a press conference addressed by its Amir (President), Mallam Kamoldeen Abiona, on Thursday, April 18, 2024 at the Lagos State Secretariat Mosque in Ikeja.
The press conference was part of a lineup of activities to commemorate the 70th anniversary of MSSN, a faith-based organisation founded on April 18, 1954 to safeguard the Islamic religious fundamentals, culture, and identity from the twin effects of forceful evangelization and alluring Christian activities.
The theme for the 70th anniversary is ‘The Next Big Thing’, Muslim News gathered.
Speaking at the press conference, the Amir Lagos State Area Unit lamented the inadequacy in education infrastructure available to students as well as the limited access to quality healthcare, saying these among other challenges hinder their academic pursuit and overall social wellbeing.
“Therefore, I call upon the government at both the federal and state levels, particularly the administration of President Bola Tinubu and the Lagos State government, to prioritize education and invest more in educational infrastructure. We cannot afford to neglect our most valuable asset—our youth. By investing in education, we are investing in the future of our nation,” he said.
“The empowerment of our youth is critical. We need to bridge the widening gap between education and employability. Investing in skills development programs, fostering entrepreneurship initiatives, and strengthening industry partnerships are crucial steps. Only then can we ensure our graduates are equipped with the necessary skills to thrive in the ever-evolving job market.
“Similarly, despite the commendable efforts of MSSN and other stakeholders, we cannot ignore the challenges facing our students today. One of the pressing issues is the burden of student loans, which often shackles young minds with the chains of debt and stifles their aspirations for higher education. It is imperative that we address this issue and explore sustainable solutions to ensure that every student has access to quality education, regardless of their financial background.”
The Amir explained that MSSN Lagos has been at the forefront of advocating improved welfare for students, in addition to providing a platform for academic excellence through several programmes and initiatives.
According to him, the roles played by MSSN are not limited to religious education; they also invest in the academic excellence of their members.
He said, “Here in Lagos, the MSSN chapter has been a pillar of support for students, providing a platform for intellectual growth, spiritual nourishment, and personal development. Through its numerous programs and initiatives, MSSN Lagos has empowered countless young individuals to realize their full potentials and become responsible citizens and future leaders.
“Our impact extends beyond religious education. MSSN has consistently championed academic excellence. We offer scholarships, organize revision classes, and promote a culture of continuous learning. These initiatives have played a significant role in shaping the success stories of countless Nigerian graduates who are now making their marks in various fields.
“Here in Lagos, MSSN has carved a niche for itself within the bustling student landscape. Our chapters across schools and institutions have become hubs for intellectual discourse, social engagement, and community service. We provide a safe space for students to navigate the complexities of their academic journeys and personal lives.
“MSSN Lagos has been at the forefront of addressing challenges faced by students in our dear state. We have advocated for improved student welfare facilities, including better hostels, affordable transportation, and accessible healthcare services. We have also championed efforts to combat the menace of cultism and drug abuse within educational institutions.”
Honouring memories of founding fathers
Mallam Abiona, meanwhile, honoured the memories of the founding fathers of the organisation, noting their efforts which birthed MSSN would not be forgotten.
He said, “MSSN was actually launched officially at the Ansar-Ud-Deen Alakoro Mosque School Hall, Lagos on 30 May 1954. Within a year of formation, its branches spread to cover more schools in Lagos, Abeokuta, Ibadan, Ilesha, Ijebu Ode, and Ikorodu.
“Today, we remember those behind the formation of this lofty initiative called MSSN. We also urge that prayers be showered on the founders. We would not forget the efforts made by our founding fathers whose ingenuity gave birth to the creation of MSSN to combat challenges of our modern society, which have gradually started to creep into our present everyday life, with the molestations of Muslims in hijab in spite of the Supreme Court judgement.
“May Allah immensely reward our great fathers, the likes of the late Dr. Abdul Lateef Adegbite, Alhaji Tajudeen Aromashodun, Justice ARA Saheed, Engr. Ismail Laguda, Prof. Babatunde Fafunwa, Alhaja Latifah Okunnu, Prof. Biobaku and a host of others.
“On a special note, we recognize the late Alhaji Chief Gani Adekunle Adetola-Kazeem (SAN) LP for his unfettered support and contribution, especially in the case of the hijab struggle. We also need to call on the children of the founding fathers to continue the legacy of their forefathers. It will continue to be Sodaqatu Jaariyah for their parents.”
The Amir charged members of the MSSN in Lagos and Nigeria to be vanguards of positive change, saying the next big thing starts with them.
“Embrace innovation and technology to reach out to a wider audience. Foster interfaith dialogue and promote tolerance and understanding within our communities,” he added.
He also seized the platform of the press conference to appeal to the Nigerian government and world leaders to take immediate and decisive actions that will lead to a ceasefire in Gaza and secure the freedom of Palestinians.
“Going by the urgency of the situation in Gaza, sadly, there has been a devastating toll of the ongoing conflict on innocent civilians, particularly women and children. With images of destruction and suffering flooding the media, the call for peace and justice resonates deeply with the MSSN Lagos community and beyond.
“Drawing upon the principles of justice, humanity, and solidarity, we urge the Nigerian government to utilize its diplomatic channels to advocate for an end to the violence and a peaceful resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
“Additionally, we cannot overemphasize the importance of global leadership. We therefore urge world leaders to step up and intervene to prevent further bloodshed and ensure the protection of Palestinians’ rights.
“This call to action extends beyond mere words, we also ask for concrete steps to be taken to alleviate the suffering of the Palestinian people and pave way for a lasting peace in the region.”
