Combine Western, Islamic education, varsity don tells Muslim youths

* As Mahdul Furqan graduates four, launches ₦250m Madrasah facility project

A Professor of Risk Management and Insurance at the University of Lagos, Prof. Tajudeen Yusuf, has urged Muslim youths to combine Western education with sound Islamic knowledge to prepare themselves for success in this world and the Hereafter.

Prof. Yusuf gave the advice while speaking at the Haflah and Convocation Ceremony for Idaadi students of Mahdul Furqan for Arabic and Islamic Studies, held on Sunday, August 30, 2026, at the City View Event Centre, Ilasa, Mushin, Lagos.

Muslim News gathered that four students graduated from the Idaadi programme at the ceremony. They are Hudhayfah Abduljelil, Idris Sanusi, Khadijah Mustapha and Mus’ab Adeoye.

Khadijah Mustapha, the only female among the graduands, emerged as the best graduating student and received prizes valued at more than ₦200,000.

Prof. Yusuf, who is also the Chairman of the Board and President of the Institute of Islamic Finance Professionals, said Muslim youths should not regard Islamic and Western education as competing alternatives.

He stressed the importance of acquiring both forms of knowledge, saying this would enable young Muslims to excel in their professional careers while remaining grounded in Islamic values and teachings.

From mosque class to growing institution

Mahdul Furqan was established in September 2022 by a group of professionals with the vision of spreading Arabic and Islamic knowledge, deepening understanding of Islam and promoting Qur’an memorisation.

The institution began its activities at Ayosoluwa Central Mosque, Mushin, with the permission of the mosque’s Imam, Alhaji Sulaiman Fasasi, and the mosque committee.

As its activities expanded, the institution moved to a rented facility in January 2025.

Since its establishment, it has introduced programmes including Qur’an Boot Camp, Data Analysis Boot Camp, Holiday Tahfidh classes and an Entrepreneurship Programme, reflecting its effort to combine Islamic learning with practical skills.

Mahdul Furqan launches ₦250m facility project

The Mudeer of Mahdul Furqan, Ustadh Abdul Ghaniyy Abdul Hadi, said the institution’s long term ambition was to establish its own university.

He said its immediate priority was to acquire a permanent property and develop a Madrasah facility estimated at ₦250m.

According to him, the project has become necessary because of the institution’s growth and the need for a suitable environment where its academic and Islamic programmes can be expanded.

He appealed to individuals, organisations and members of the Muslim community to support the project.

Qur’an education builds character, says YABATECH Rector

The Rector of Yaba College of Technology, Dr Ibrahim Abdul, said Qur’anic education remained relevant to the challenges confronting young people.

He said studying the Qur’an could provide succour, focus and clarity of vision while helping youths develop a sense of responsibility.

According to him, Islamic knowledge could help young people deal with peer pressure, social media anomalies and the get rich quick syndrome, as well as broader societal challenges such as insecurity, corruption, looting, greed and indifference.

The rector identified discipline, empathy, emotional stability, discernment and emotional intelligence among the values that could be strengthened through proper Islamic education.

He, however, stressed that Qur’anic education should go beyond learning to read Arabic, saying understanding the meaning and message of the Qur’an was essential for its teachings to influence the character and conduct of Muslims.

MSSN pledges support

The Amir of the Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria, Dr Ajibola Yusuf Salami, said knowledge remained essential for both career development and proper Islamic practice.

He assured the institution of MSSN’s support for programmes promoting academic excellence and Islamic knowledge among students.

Dr. Salami disclosed that MSSN’s December IVC would feature exclusive Arabic classes, a special programme and a full day dedicated to Arabic speakers.

He also said the Lagos Qur’an Competition finals would be held during Ramadan, adding that Madrasah students were bona fide members of MSSN and could participate in the competition through the appropriate structures.

Daru Dawah backs Mahdul Furqan

Representing the Mudeer of Daru Dawah, Isolo, Sheikh Ridwan Sunusi Az Zuglul, Sheikh Maruf Okusanya said the organisation supported Mahdul Furqan because both institutions shared the mission of spreading Islamic knowledge and promoting a proper understanding of pristine Islam.

He said the founder of Daru Dawah, Sheikh Mustapha Sunusi Az Zuglul, established the organisation with the vision of producing Muslim leaders who would not be handicapped by ignorance.

Sheikh Okusanya said the current leadership of Daru Dawah had also integrated technology into its curriculum while promoting skills acquisition through collaboration with Yaba College of Technology and technology experts.

He urged the graduands to allow the Qur’an and Islamic teachings to guide their expressions, reactions and responses to situations.

Parent commends institution

A parent, Mr Abdul Jelil Gbadamosi, commended Mahdul Furqan for providing the combination of Arabic proficiency, Islamic knowledge and practical adherence to the Sunnah that he had sought for his son.

Gbadamosi said he had taken his son to more than five Madrasahs before finding Mahdul Furqan.

He appealed to parents and well meaning Muslims to support the institution’s facility project, saying the value being provided by the school could not be measured against the fees paid by parents.

Board chairman highlights growth

The Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Ustadh Muhammad Salami Opeolu, PhD, said the second Haflah marked another milestone in the development of the institution.

He said Mahdul Furqan was founded by professionals committed to spreading Arabic and Islamic knowledge and promoting Qur’an memorisation, adding that its expansion had necessitated the search for a permanent facility.

Ustadh Opeolu expressed appreciation to scholars, parents, educationists, professionals and other stakeholders who had supported the institution since its establishment.

The ceremony attracted Islamic scholars, government officials, educationists, professionals, parents and community leaders.

Among those present were the Chairman of Mushin Ajeromi Local Government, Hon. Tunbosun Haruna Aruwe; member of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Yinka Eshoo; former Commissioner for Home Affairs, Hon. AbdHakeem Abdulateef; former Director of Voice of Nigeria, Alhaji AbdRasak AbdSalaam; and Director General, Office of Education Quality Assurance, Dr Sulaiman Ogunmuyiwa.

Others included Prof. Khadijah Idowu of the Accounting Department, Lagos State University; Royal Father, His Eminence Alhaji Haruna Idris, Seriki of Idi Araba; Mufti of Mushin, Sheikh Yahya Tijani; Baale of Idi Araba, Alhaji Ismail Akinsemoyin; and other dignitaries.

The ceremony ended with the presentation of certificates and prizes to the four graduands, as the institution renewed its appeal for support towards the ₦250m Madrasah facility project.

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