By Abdul-Mumin Abdul-Quadir
* Educators rally support for ₦50m bus project aimed at strengthening institutional capacity
The Lagos State chapter of the Muslim Teachers Association of Nigeria gathered educators, school administrators, and stakeholders in the education sector for its annual Ramadan Public Lecture, where teachers were urged to embrace diligence, sincerity, and empathy in their dealings with students.
The spiritually uplifting event took place on Saturday, February 21, 2026, at Ikeja Grammar School, Oshodi, Lagos, drawing participants from across the state’s education districts.
The gathering also witnessed the launch of a ₦50 million fundraising drive for the acquisition of a multipurpose bus for the association.
Ramadan lecture as platform for reflection and renewal
Muslim News gathered that the annual lecture has become a major spiritual and professional platform for members of MUTAN, offering opportunities for reflection during Ramadan while addressing emerging challenges facing Muslim teachers.
The programme provided a space for participants to refuel spiritually, exchange ideas, and chart pathways for strengthening ethical conduct and professional excellence in schools.
President of MUTAN Lagos and Principal of Igbo Owu Junior Secondary School, Mushin, Mr Fatai Oladejo, expressed satisfaction with the turnout and depth of the lecture.
He described the presentation as comprehensive and practical, noting that participants left with valuable lessons applicable to their personal and professional lives.
Mr. Oladejo said the Ramadan lecture remains a key instrument for nurturing moral consciousness among Muslim educators and prayed that members would internalise the teachings and translate them into positive change within their schools and communities.
Bus project signals bold step toward institutional growth
A major highlight of the event was the unveiling of a ₦50 million bus fund aimed at enhancing the mobility and operational capacity of the association.
Speaking on the initiative, Mr. Oladejo revealed that the project had long been conceived but delayed by financial constraints.
He described the launch as a courageous step toward self reliance, stressing that the bus would serve multiple purposes including logistics for programmes, outreach activities, and welfare support for members.
The Principal expressed optimism about achieving the target, noting that early pledges and enthusiasm from members and supporters indicated strong collective commitment to the project.
According to him, the willingness of members to contribute demonstrates a shared vision for strengthening MUTAN’s institutional capacity.
Fear of Allah key to blessings, sustenance — Solate
Guest lecturer and Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Hajj Mabrur Ventures LTD, Alhaji AbdulHamid Solate, delivered a thought provoking lecture on the theme Key to Blessing and Sustenance.
Alhaji Solate stressed that consciousness of Allah remains central to attaining success and divine blessings.
He urged teachers and believers to carry the fear of Allah into every aspect of their lives, noting that accountability before the Creator should guide professional conduct and interpersonal relationships.
The lecturer highlighted repentance as a powerful spiritual tool, reminding participants that seeking forgiveness unlocks blessings and opens closed doors. Drawing from prophetic tradition, he encouraged Muslims to cultivate the habit of constant repentance and humility.
Alhaji Solate also warned against severing family ties, describing kinship as a pathway to divine favour and sustenance.
He further admonished teachers to discharge their responsibilities with sincerity, avoid cutting corners, and place absolute trust in Allah as the ultimate source of provision and success.
Call for empathy and collective responsibility in child upbringing
Also speaking at the event, a representative of the Federation of Muslim Women Associations in Nigeria, Alhaja Kudrah Sulaimon Ogunmuyiwa, underscored the urgent need for collaborative efforts in nurturing morally upright children.
She lamented the growing social pressures facing young people and urged parents, teachers, and communities to become more intentional in guiding children.
Alhaja Ogunmuyiwa emphasised patience among mothers, responsible leadership among fathers, and empathy from teachers who act in loco parentis within school environments.
Treat students as your children, Dr.Sherifah Yusuf tells teachers
Former Permanent Secretary and Tutor General in Lagos State, Dr Sherifah Yusuf, reinforced this message in an interview with Muslim News.
She charged teachers to treat students as their own children, stressing that such compassion helps shape refined personalities and positive character formation.
Dr. Yusuf noted that parents remain primary caregivers and must not abdicate their responsibilities to schools alone.
She further called on communities to revive collective child upbringing traditions where every adult contributes to guiding children toward responsible adulthood.
Founding fathers and trustees rally support
The event also witnessed strong backing from founding members and the Board of Trustees of MUTAN, who pledged support for the bus project and encouraged members to remain committed to the association’s ideals.
Pioneer president Mr Tiamiyu Bakare expressed delight at the steady growth of MUTAN and pledged monthly contributions toward the realisation of the bus project.
Similarly, Alhaji AbdulRaheem Jimoh urged teachers to embrace professionalism and uphold high standards in their respective schools.
Alhaji Tajudeen Oladoyin offered words of wisdom aimed at sustaining unity and progress within the association, further energising members toward collective advancement.
Participants applaud lecture, describe experience as impactful
Participants at the lecture expressed satisfaction with the programme, describing it as timely and impactful.
Mr. Najmudeen Afolabi, whose father is a founding member of the association, noted that MUTAN programmes have consistently delivered value and expressed pride in formally participating as a member.
Mrs Sidiqah Sowemimo described the lecture as soul lifting and a powerful reminder of accountability, adding that the message arrived at a critical time for personal reflection and professional renewal.
A gathering of faith, purpose, and professional commitment
Beyond its spiritual tone, the MUTAN Ramadan Public Lecture reflected a broader commitment to ethical teaching, institutional growth, and community engagement. The launch of the bus fund alongside the rich scholarly discourse illustrated a blend of spiritual development and organisational progress.
As educators departed the venue with renewed resolve, the event reaffirmed MUTAN’s role as a moral compass and professional support network for Muslim teachers in Lagos State, reinforcing the belief that faith driven diligence remains central to shaping responsible students and a morally grounded society.
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