Dr. Ibrahim Adedotun Abdul, Rector of Yaba College of Technology, YABATECH, has urged Nigerians to adopt a positive mindset towards the country, stressing that growth and national development are only possible when citizens actively play their part.
Dr Abdul made the call on Sunday at the Annual State Lecture of The Muslim Congress (TMC), held in the Nurudeen Alao Auditorium, DLI, University of Lagos, Akoka, Lagos, with the theme, “Nigerian State and Lessons from our contemporary history”.
Muslim News gathered that the lecture is a TMC national headquarters’ programme held simultaneously across nine states including Abuja, Osun and Ogun States to mark Nigeria’s 65th Independence anniversary.
During his keynote address, the Rector said many Nigerians have lost hope in the system, believing the country cannot work. He however described such a mindset as counterproductive, noting that “little drops of water make a mighty ocean.”
“If you do your part and I do mine, with a collective commitment to uplift this entity called Nigeria, we’ll begin to witness the growth and development we all desire,” he said.
Dr. Abdul, who has significantly transformed and repositioned YABATECH since his assuming office in 2022, commended the Nigerian government’s evolving policy direction in the education sector, describing it as a sign of national progress.
He noted that recent reforms are gradually shifting education from being certificate-driven to skills-oriented, equipping Nigerian youths with practical knowledge relevant to today’s challenges.
“We now have many developmental initiatives aimed at empowering our youths. Education is becoming more focused on skills and practical usefulness rather than just paper qualifications,” he said.
Dr. Abdul highlighted that the shift toward innovative and forward-looking programmes will better prepare students for the future, moving away from overdependence on traditional academic courses.
“Education is now being taken in a direction that we hope will positively transform many lives in the country,” he added.
The programme featured two keynote presentations from the Grand Mufti of the Conference of Islamic Organisations (CIO), Sheikh Dhikrullah Shafi’i and Khaleefatu Zuglool & Head Of Academics, Daru Da’wah wal-Irshad Institute of Arabic and Islamic Studies, Sheikh Dr. Ishaq Sanusi.
Khaleefatu Zuglool urges govt to strengthen security, education
Khaleefatu Zuglool called on Nigerian leaders at all levels to take deliberate and strategic steps toward national development by prioritising internal security, educational reform, and economic diversification.
He stressed that no meaningful development can take place in an insecure nation. “A nation without security is a nation in crisis,” he said, urging the government to boost the operational capacity and welfare of the armed forces in order to effectively combat insecurity.
On education, he advocated comprehensive reforms from the primary to tertiary levels, noting that quality education remains the foundation for any nation’s progress.
Sheikh Shafi’i renews call for Shari’ah in southwest
Sheikh Shafi’i, in his lecture, made a new call for the establishment of Shari’ah courts of appeal in southwest states. He said the demand is not a privilege but a constitutional right that should not cause any social unrest.
Speaking in Lagos, Grand Mufti of the Conference of Islamic Organisations (CIO), Sheikh Dhikrullah Shafi’i made a new call for the establishment of Shari’ah courts of appeal in southwest states, saying that the demand is not a privilege but a constitutional right that should not cause any social unrest.
The Grand Mufti of CIO described Shari’ah as a comprehensive legal and ethical system guiding all aspects of a Muslim’s life – from worship to family, business and governance — and not limited to criminal law or punitive measures as often misrepresented.
One of the mufassirs (Chief Tafsir) of Lagos Central Mosque, Imam Shakiru Ayinde Gafar popularly known as ‘Mofesaye” also addressed fears surrounding implementation of Shari’ah especially in the southwest, attributing the negative perception to ignorance and misinterpretation.
Representing the Chief Imam of Lagos, Sheikh Engr. Sulaimon Oluwatoyin Abou-Nolla, at the event, Mofesaye noted that the fear and opposition of Shari’ah often stem from ignorance and misunderstanding.
“Many people including some Muslims are scared when Shari’ah is mentioned because they don’t understand it,” he said, calling on religious leaders and scholars to take up the responsibility of sensitising the public. “We have a duty to educate and correct this narrative,” he concluded.
Amir TMC urges sober reflection
Earlier in his welcome address, Amir of TMC, Alhaji Abdulwasi’i Bangbala said the annual State Lecture continues to serve as a crucial platform for intellectual engagement and national development.
Speaking through the National General-Secretary, Alhaji Taiwo Hassan Adesina, Amir TMC emphasised the need for a deep and sober reflection on Nigeria’s 65 years journey as a nation and as a generation.
“As our nation marks 65 years of nationhood, it gives me great pleasure to welcome you all to this year’s edition of the Annual State Lecture, a significant occasion that has become a crucial space for intellectual discourse, moral reflection and constructive contributions to the issues that shape our beloved nation, Nigeria, ” he noted.
TMC Lagos Waali commends Speakers at Annual Lecture
The Waali of The Muslim Congress (TMC), Lagos State, Malam Tajudeen Yusuf Olusesi, expressed gratitude to Almighty Allah for the success of the Annual State Lecture, while praising the keynote speaker and guest lecturers for enriching the discussion with insightful presentations.
Speaking on the theme, Mal. Olusesi noted that the topic aligns with the organisation’s responsibility to guide policymakers and national leaders.
“At 65, we cannot remain silent. We must speak truth to power and offer direction where needed,” he added.
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