In a spectacle of grandeur and scholarly distinction, Habile, a faith-based Nursery and Primary school located in the Aguda, Surulere area of Lagos, has concluded all arrangements to host parents, pupils and other dignitaries at her most anticipated Anniversary Dinner/Award and Launch of Magazine.
Muslim News gathered that the ceremony slated for Saturday, July 20 at Coker Aguda LCDA Hall, Aguda, Surulere, Lagos, is the climax of a week-long activities to mark the school’s 10th Anniversary.
Themed, ‘Embracing the Past, Empowering the Future: Celebrating 10 Years of Excellence, the event is scheduled to hold from 4pm to 9pm (Nigerian time).
The anniversary events began on an exciting note on Friday, July 12 with a special Juma’ah service at the school compound. It continued with a picnic for parents and teachers at JJT Park, Ikeja.
The school also had a successful procession to create awareness of its existence within the Aguda/Surulere neighbourhood.
As a way of giving back to the society, the management of the School gathered medical practitioners to organise a medical outreach for the community, after which it also held an inter-school quiz competition.
Speaking with Muslim News, Hajia Taofeeqah Abdussalam-Abubakar, the Head of School, described Habile School’s 10 years journey as remarkable.
According to her, “As we celebrate our 10th anniversary, I am filled with immense pride and gratitude. Our school’s journey has been a remarkable one, shaped by the collective efforts of our dedicated team, supportive parents, and most importantly, our curious and enthusiastic students.
“Over the past decade, we have always strived to create a nurturing environment that fosters academic excellence, creativity, and character development. We have watched our students grow into confident and compassionate critical thinkers, equipped to make a positive impact in the world”, she noted.
Passion for self-empowerment, community service led to establishment of Habile: Proprietress
* Says, he who opens a school, closes a prison
The Proprietress of Habile Nursery and Primary School, Alhaja Kafilah Iyabo Misbahudeen-Matemilola revealed the reason behind the establishment of the school a decade ago, accomplishments and projections for the future. Excerpts…
From what perspective did you conceive the idea of establishing a school?
Mrs. Matemilola: The passion for self-empowerment, service to my community, while still pursuing and propagating my career served as a motivation for me to establish the school, Habile.
As a devout Muslim, is venturing into the school business not a distraction to some of your beliefs or aqeedah? For example, the hanging of portraits in offices and classrooms
Mrs. Matemilola: No, it doesn’t. Some of the portraits are serving official purposes, while the majority of the portraits are educational. The bottom line is that the space used for ibaadah within the school is maintained with its requisite conditions in mind.
Can we say establishing an Islamic school is an act of ibaadah?
Mrs. Matemilola: Every action of a Muslim is an ibaadah (act of worship) if one has the right intention. Islam encourages Muslims to seek knowledge throughout their entire life (from cradle to grave). In Islam, knowledge sharing is highly recommended and can serve as Sadaqah Jariyah (ongoing charity) for whoever shares beneficial knowledge, creates opportunities for people to learn, and sponsors students of knowledge. It is a way of propagating Islam, an opportunity to educate young ones on core Islamic principles, enabling them to practice pristine Islam from an early age. It also helps to groom future leaders to handle challenges and guide their generation.
What was your thought process behind the name, HABILE?
Mrs. Matemilola: Uniqueness and the ability to use your hands to fashion a path for your future.
What is your management style?
Mrs. Matemilola: Transformational, situational, and visionary.
What are your challenges as a proprietress? What has been your biggest professional disappointment?
Mrs. Matemilola: The scarcity of employable professional teachers and matching fees with the services provided.
Looking at the present economic situation, can you still encourage people to venture into the school business?
Mrs. Matemilola: Yes, because he who opens a school, closes a prison. Supporting the Nigerian government in providing education for all citizens is crucial. School owners and aspiring school owners should be intentional about it. Moreover, the current number of schools is insufficient to cater to the number of school-age children. I encourage the government to support the establishment of more private schools with adequate guidelines to monitor their activities.
We all know that you have been the Head of School for many years. Why did you vacate the position?
Mrs. Matemilola: As it is very paramount in any formal organisation, promotion is sacrosanct. Hence, promotion was given to Mrs. Abubakar-Abdulsalam to become the Head of School while I got promoted to the position of the Directress of the school. This was a decision needed for the smooth running of the school and Alhamdulillah, there has not been a reason to regret this decision.
Can you take us through how it all began ten years ago and the strength of the school today?
Mrs. Matemilola: The school started with 3 staff (1 teacher, 1 nanny and 1 sanitary officer). Now the school has thirty-five (35) staff. We started with 3 pupils (1 baby in creche and 2 pupils in preschool class). Now the school has over a hundred pupils.
The school started with a creche and preschool, adding one additional class yearly and now the school has all the early years and elementary classes.
The school will be producing the 4th set of graduands (28 graduating students) who have gained admission into different secondary schools within and outside Nigeria. These pupils are not only academically sound but also morally and spiritually upright.
You have a staff strength of about 30 or more. How have you been coping with this number?
Mrs. Matemilola: Allah is Ar-Razaq and Ar-Raheem. He has always been providing and merciful. My relationship with each of my staff goes beyond official engagements; I also look out for their development.
Considering the age of the school and being just a primary school, how have you been able to fund infrastructural projects despite the harsh economic situation?
Mrs. Matemilola: I have come this far due to the support of Allah, my spouse, and the school parents who invest their hard-earned money into their children’s education.
Is the conduct of the pupils and staff in line with the vision upon which the school was established?
Mrs. Matemilola: Both the staff and pupils are performing wonderfully well, but there is always room for improvement. We continuously explore opportunities to improve in all areas.
Your word of encouragement to the populace.
Mrs. Matemilola: I advise everyone not to give up on their dreams. Continue to strive hard, work smart, and be fervent in prayers.
What next for Habile?
Mrs. Matemilola: In the next 10 years the school focuses on producing graduates who will develop into well-round individuals who are not only academically proficient but also socially, emotionally, and spiritually competent. This will be achieved by impacting on them skills to develop their curiosity, resilience, creativity, empathy, critical thinking, adaptability, God consciousness, independence and respect to mention but few.
Also the school is determined to start a secondary section whose products would be equipped with God consciousness, academic excellence, hard and soft skills, and competencies that will empower them not to only flourish in higher institutions but also be innovators and leaders in their respective chosen careers.
