* Urges Muslim students to combine academics, faith, and service
The immediate past Amirah of the Muslim Students Society of Nigeria (MSSN), Itire–Ikate Area Council, Lagos State, Hajia Aminat Taiwo Olanrewaju-Ajala, has obtained a Master’s degree in Medical Physics from the College of Medicine, University of Lagos (CMUL), marking a significant academic milestone in her quest to contribute to Nigeria’s healthcare sector.
Hajia Olanrewaju-Ajala, a physicist, educator, and mother, was among the master’s degree recipients at the convocation ceremony for postgraduate students of CMUL and the School of Postgraduate Studies, held on Thursday, January 22, 2026.
The ceremony took place at the J.F. Ade Ajayi Auditorium, Akoka, and featured morning and afternoon sessions for the award of PGD, Master’s, and PhD degrees.
The graduand was accompanied by family members, friends, and officials of the MSSN Itire-Ikate Area Council, adding to what she described as one of the most memorable moments of her life.
Speaking with Muslim News, the elated Olanrewaju-Ajala described the completion of the programme as a “dream come true,” noting that the journey was both academically and emotionally demanding.
“Alhamdulillah, this is truly a dream come true. The journey was far from smooth. From grappling with human anatomy despite my long-standing difficulty with biology, to attending lectures and presentations during Ramadan until Maghrib while my young children fasted at home awaiting iftar, and sitting for eight-hour examinations, the challenges were many.
“However, I realised that they were meant to prepare me for growth and build my confidence as a medical physicist. This degree is emotionally rewarding to me,” she said.
Muslim News gathered that the new graduate holds a Bachelor of Technology degree in Physics Electronics from the Federal University of Technology, Akure, and a Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE) in Computer/Physics Education from the Federal College of Education (Technical), Akoka.
Her academic journey began at Anglican Girls’ Seminary School, Lagos Island, and Methodist Girls’ High School, Yaba.
Explaining her choice of Medical Physics, Hajia Olanrewaju-Ajala said her long-standing love for physics and concern over the rising incidence of cancer informed her decision to specialise in the field.
According to her, exposure to physics during her secondary school years and the discipline instilled by her teacher, Mr Olabiyi, shaped her academic path. She noted that his emphasis on hard work, dedication, and moral uprightness inspired her to pursue physics beyond the classroom.
Hajia Olanrewaju-Ajala said her interest later evolved from teaching physics to exploring its practical applications in healthcare. After considering options such as environmental, health, nuclear, and medical physics, she opted for Medical Physics to support cancer therapy and diagnosis through the safe and effective use of radiation.
Reflecting on her years as an active member of the Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria, she credited the organisation with equipping her with leadership skills, discipline, and resilience that proved useful in navigating academic pressures.
“Every phase of life comes with its own challenges, but the training I acquired through my involvement in MSSN prepared me well, whether in meeting deadlines, making presentations, handling responsibilities, or dealing with difficult situations,” she said.
Looking ahead, Hajia Olanrewaju-Ajala expressed her intention to continue her career in radiodiagnostic physics, contributing to improved healthcare delivery and patient safety.
She explained that medical physicists bridge the gap between medicine and physics by ensuring the safe use of radiation through equipment calibration, radiation monitoring for workers and the public, and accurate dosing for patients during diagnosis and therapy.
The former Amirah also urged Muslim students to pursue advanced degrees in science and healthcare, stressing the importance of balancing academic excellence with faith and community service.
“As students, we should never neglect our faith, not even for our careers. Faith is the fuel that keeps one going. When you have Allah, you already have the solution,” she said, citing a hadith of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) on reliance on Allah and steadfastness,” she added.
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