…Unveils N1.5bn development plan for permanent training centre
* We’ll add Western education, tech, and skills training to our curriculum: Alfanla
The Agege community in Lagos has been abuzz with joy as the renowned Islamic institution, Markaz Nurul Islam, marks its 50th anniversary, celebrating five decades of impactful Islamic education and moral upbringing.
Established in 1975, the centre has become a beacon of spiritual and academic excellence, producing thousands of students who have gone on to positively influence society as Islamic scholars and educators.
The Golden Jubilee celebration, which began on Monday, November 17, 2025, with a special prayer session at the school premises, brought together the school’s proprietor, tutors, students, alumni, and well-wishers.
They expressed gratitude to Almighty Allah for the journey so far and sought His continued blessings, making it a moment of reflection, thanksgiving, and renewed commitment to the school’s founding vision.
The week-long celebration featured a vibrant awareness rally held on Wednesday, 25th November 2025, which took over the streets of Agege as students and alumni chanted praises and the school anthem. It was followed by a football tournament on Thursday, 26th November 2025, adding excitement and unity to the golden jubilee festivities.
Muslim News gathered that a special Juma’at prayer will be held tomorrow, Friday, December 5, at the newly acquired site of the institution in Osu Village, near Abeokuta, Ogun State.
This will be followed by an award presentation ceremony at Oniwaya High School on Saturday, December 6. The celebrations will continue on Sunday, December 7, and Saturday, December 13, 2025.
Speaking to journalists, the Proprietor of the school, Sheikh Daud Abdul-Majeed Eleha, popularly known as Alfanla, praised Allah for the school’s achievements over the decades.
“We thank Allah who made us human, who made us Muslims, and who blessed us with parents that guided us onto the path of knowledge and righteousness,” he said. “Our progress is a result of His mercy and the prayers of our parents. We are nothing without Him.”
In his address, he highlighted that the core motivation behind the establishment of Markaz Nurul Islam was the need to propagate Da’wah and contribute to the spiritual and moral upliftment of the Muslim community.
He said, “When Abubakr (may Allah be pleased with him) embraced Islam, he asked the Prophet (peace be upon him) about his duty. The Prophet explained that it was to reform souls and call people to the path of Allah. That, exactly, is our own duty as well. It was in that spirit that Markaz Nurul Islam was founded — to train individuals who will become moral and spiritual guides within their communities.”
Reflecting on the journey so far, Sheikh Eleha noted that the centre has remained true to its mission.
“Fifty years down the line, Nurul Islam has continued to fulfil the purpose of its creation. Year after year, our students graduate as enlightened, reformed individuals who are ready to take on leadership roles, uphold Islamic values, and compete confidently with their peers both locally and globally,” he added.
…Unveils N1.5bn development plan for permanent training centre
Also speaking at the event, the President of the school’s alumni association, Sheikh Hussein Zakariyya, unveiled the architectural design for a proposed N1.5 billion Arabic and Islamic Training Centre.
The centre, which will serve as the institution’s permanent site, is to be located on a newly acquired land in Osu Village, near Abeokuta, Ogun State.
The ambitious project will feature an ultramodern mosque, academic blocks, hostel facilities, and other standard infrastructure to meet the needs of a 21st-century learning environment.
Speaking further at the unveiling, Sheikh Zakariyya said, “The alumni of this great institution have always been committed to its growth and development. Each leadership has made valuable contributions in different ways, all geared towards giving back to a school that shaped us.”
He explained that the current administration prioritised securing a permanent site, leading to the land acquisition and the development of a comprehensive structural plan. “This architectural framework is a visible testament to the work going on behind the scenes,” he said.
The alumni president appealed to stakeholders and supporters to contribute towards actualising the project. “The land has been secured, but the journey is far from over. The project cost is estimated at N1.5 billion. We are calling on well-meaning individuals, lovers of Islamic education, and corporate organisations to partner with us in making this dream a reality,” he said.
Set to integrate Western education and tech at new centre
The proprietor of Markaz Nurul Islam also announced plans to integrate Western education, technology, and skills acquisition into the school’s curriculum as part of its expansion project.
Alfa Nla said the new training centre will build upon the institution’s current achievements, ensuring students receive a well-rounded education rooted in Islamic and modern knowledge.
“The new centre will give us ample opportunity to do more of what we’ve been doing,” he said. “We are currently working on incorporating Western literacy at every stage of learning, so our students are well prepared for both spiritual and worldly responsibilities.”
He further noted that the institution is collaborating with committed partners to develop an advanced curriculum that includes technology, entrepreneurship, and research-based learning.
Finalists for Nigerian Muslim Personalities of the Year (#MNAwards20242025)
Sponsored
Sponsored
