* Dr Salami says administration will deepen welfare programmes amid economic challenges
The Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria, Lagos State Area Unit (MSSNLagos), has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing education, youth empowerment, student welfare and moral development as a new administration formally assumed office.
The Muslim students’ body made the call while speaking during a maiden briefing held on Monday, June 22, 2026, at the Bagauda Kaltho Press Centre, Alausa, to mark the inauguration of the new leadership.
The new Amir of MSSNLagos, Dr. Yusuf Ajibola Salami, said the Society would continue to champion initiatives aimed at supporting Muslim students and youths across Lagos State amid growing economic and social challenges.
The briefing came barely days after Dr. Salami, a consultant surgeon and Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon at Randle General Hospital, Surulere, emerged as the Amir of one of the most vibrant area units in Nigeria.
Muslim News gathered that the briefing was also attended by executive members and ex-officio officers, including the immediate past Amir, Malam Kamoldeen Abiona, in a show of continuity and institutional unity.
Dr. Salami described the transition as a new chapter in the history of one of Nigeria’s foremost student and youth organisations, noting that the new administration emerged at a critical period when Nigerian students and young people face increasing pressure from rising educational costs, unemployment, insecurity and economic hardship.
“As we assume this responsibility, we reaffirm our commitment to the educational advancement, moral development, welfare and empowerment of Muslim students and youths across Lagos State,” he said.
According to the Amir, the leadership team combines experience, youthful energy and institutional memory needed to address the evolving needs of students and young professionals.
He said the inauguration coincides with the beginning of the Islamic year 1448 AH, adding that the lessons of the Prophet Muhammad’s migration from Makkah to Madinah offer important guidance for leadership, resilience and community development.
“The Hijrah teaches us resilience in difficult times, courage in leadership, unity of purpose, strategic planning and unwavering trust in Allah,” he said.
Dr. Salami noted that the Society views the leadership transition as more than a routine change in administration.
“We view this transition as more than a routine change in leadership; it represents a renewed commitment to service, a fresh sense of purpose and a new dawn for our Society,” he stated.
Education remains top priority
Addressing the state of education in Nigeria, the MSSNLagos Amir described education as the foundation of sustainable national development and called for greater investment in the sector.
He acknowledged efforts by the Federal Government and Lagos State Government to improve access to education, particularly through the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND).
“MSSNLagos acknowledges ongoing efforts by both the Federal and Lagos State Governments to improve access to education and expand opportunities for students,” he said.
The Amir specifically commended the Federal Government for establishing NELFUND, saying the initiative has helped many students continue their education despite financial challenges.
“In particular, we commend the Federal Government for the establishment of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund, which has provided a pathway for many students facing financial difficulties to continue their education,” he said.
However, he maintained that more interventions are required to address the challenges confronting students nationwide.
“While this intervention is commendable, more remains to be done. We call for increased investment in educational infrastructure, teacher development, research, innovation and student support programmes.”
Dr. Salami also advocated expanded scholarship schemes, bursaries and targeted assistance for indigent students.
“We also advocate for expanded scholarship schemes, bursaries and targeted support for indigent students to ensure that financial hardship does not become a barrier to quality education,” he added.
Youths need opportunities, not excuses
The MSSNLagos leader expressed concern over the growing social and economic pressures facing young Nigerians, warning that the nation’s future depends largely on how effectively it invests in its youth population.
According to him, many students are struggling not because they lack talent or potential but because of limited access to educational and economic opportunities.
“Nigeria’s students and youths continue to navigate one of the most challenging periods in recent history. Economic hardship, insecurity, rising educational costs and unemployment have placed significant pressure on families and young people.”
He stressed that Nigeria’s large youth population can only become an advantage when young people are adequately equipped with relevant skills and opportunities.
“Nigeria possesses one of the largest youth populations in the world. This demographic advantage can only be meaningful when young people are equipped with the skills and opportunities necessary to contribute productively to society.”
Dr. Salami praised the Lagos State Government for its investments in youth development, digital innovation, entrepreneurship support and skills acquisition programmes.
He further stressed the need for young people to acquire entrepreneurial capacity, technological competence, vocational skills and leadership abilities in addition to academic qualifications.
“Beyond academic qualifications, today’s youths require entrepreneurial capacity, technological competence, vocational skills and leadership training,” he said.
The Amir disclosed that MSSNLagos would continue to complement government efforts through mentorship programmes, entrepreneurship training, leadership development initiatives and capacity-building opportunities for students and young professionals.
Strengthening mentorship across generations
One of the key priorities of the new administration, according to Dr. Salami, is strengthening the Society’s long-standing culture of inter-generational mentorship.
He explained that MSSNLagos has benefited immensely from the continued involvement of former members who have become professionals, academics, entrepreneurs, public servants and community leaders.
“Through structured mentorship programmes, career guidance initiatives and leadership development platforms, these experienced members continue to guide and support younger students and graduates.”
He described mentorship as one of the Society’s most valuable assets because it facilitates the transfer of knowledge, values and leadership experience.
“This culture of mentorship has become one of the Society’s most valuable assets. It ensures continuity of values, transfer of knowledge and the development of future leaders who are academically sound, morally upright and socially responsible.”
Dr. Salami pledged that the new administration would strengthen existing mentorship structures to ensure more students and graduates have access to positive role models and career guidance.
Urges youths to shun internet fraud, drug abuse and other social vices
The Amir also called on Nigerian youths to resist the temptations of internet fraud, drug abuse, gambling, cultism and examination malpractice.
While acknowledging the impact of economic hardship, he insisted that criminal behaviour cannot be justified under any circumstance.
“The increasing prevalence of internet fraud, drug abuse, gambling, examination malpractice and other social vices among segments of the youth population should concern every stakeholder.”
He added: “While economic challenges may contribute to frustration among young people, they can never justify criminal behaviour.”
Dr. Salami urged young Nigerians to embrace integrity, discipline and hard work.
“MSSNLagos encourages Nigerian youths to embrace honesty, discipline, hard work, accountability and service to humanity. True success is built on integrity, not shortcuts.”
Calls for safer learning environment
The Society also raised concerns over insecurity and its impact on students and educational institutions.
While acknowledging efforts by security agencies and governments at various levels, MSSNLagos said incidents of kidnapping and violent crimes remain a major concern.
“Educational institutions and student communities must never become vulnerable targets for criminal elements,” the Amir said.
The Society called for stronger protection of schools and campuses, increased use of technology-driven security systems, faster prosecution of criminal suspects and greater investment in youth employment opportunities.
Hijab rights remain non-negotiable
Dr. Salami also revisited the issue of hijab rights in Lagos public schools, noting that seven years after the landmark court judgment affirming the rights of Muslim female students to wear the hijab, reports of harassment and restrictions still persist in some schools.
He described such incidents as unnecessary and contrary to both the spirit and letter of the court judgment.
“The hijab is not merely a symbol of identity; it is an act of religious observance that must be worn in accordance with its prescribed requirements,” he said.
The Society called on education authorities, school administrators and relevant stakeholders to ensure full compliance with the judgment across all public schools in Lagos State.
Commitment to peace and national development
Despite the challenges facing the country, MSSNLagos reaffirmed its commitment to peaceful coexistence, religious tolerance and constructive engagement.
The Society urged all stakeholders to work together in creating opportunities for young people and building a more secure and prosperous nation.
“We believe that dialogue, respect and justice remain essential foundations for lasting peace and national unity,” Dr. Salami said.
He prayed for Allah’s guidance and success for the new administration as it embarks on what he described as a renewed journey of service to Muslim students and youths across Lagos State.
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