The Muslim Ummah of South West Nigeria, MUSWEN has underscored the importance of brainstorming, reflection and evaluation of strategies and efforts exerted towards improving the standard of education among Muslims.
The executive Secretary, MUSWEN, Professor Muslih Yahya made the call at a one-day Educational Summit with the theme “Rise to Action; Remodeling Education for 21st Century Relevance” organised by Egbeda local government Muslim Community in Ibadan.
In a keynote address, Professor Yahya stressed that the summit is unique as the organiser had clearly spelt out strategies and solutions to ensure implementation of resolutions.
“We are not where we were; we are yet to reach the peak, for us to attain the deserved positions we must put Allah first,” said he.
Lead discussant, former Executive Secretary, National Commission for Nomadic Education, NCNE, Professor Rashid Aderinoye remarked that cooperation between the community and educational authority to ease academic activities, as well as monitoring of progress in education.
While commending the Egbeda Local Government Muslim Community for being a pioneer in education summit, Professor Aderinoye noted that functional and improve standard of education is a collective responsibility, urging parents, teachers and government to play their roles well.
In another presentation, former Dean Faculty of Arts, University of Ibadan, Professor Afiz Oladosu tasked Egbeda local government on building a well equipped public library to encourage reading culture among students.
Professor Oladosu advised the Muslim Community and local government to collaborate on structure for discipline the erradeviants, as well as education and innovation for students at young ages.
“Local government autonomy calls for judicious use of resources, especially for education development; discovery and sponsorship of new scholars is an everlasting investment,” Oladosu noted.
Oyo State Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Professor Saliu Adelabu represented by the Local Inspector of Education, Egbeda local government, Mrs Ilelaboye Aderonke explained that the theme of the summit aligns with government efforts to reposition and address decay in education sector.
The chairman, Oyo state State Universal Basic Education Board, SUBEB, Dr Nureni Adeniran, who spoke through Mr. Abdulfatai Raji promised the board’s continued support, calling on parents to provide good foundation for quality education and stakeholders to be abreast of government educational policies with a view to making informed demands.
The chairman, Egbeda local government, Hon. Sikiru Sanda represented by the Vice Chairman, Hon. Ibrahim Oladeebo (Simple) reiterated the significance of parental strive for sound training of their children for a remodelled education, while commending the organiser with a remark to act on recommendations from the summit.
The host and chairman, Egbeda Local Government Muslim Community, Sheikh MohammaduJamiu Abdulgafar said the summit was to boost educational pursuit among Muslim students for them to reclaim their befitting position in all strata of the society.
Sheikh Abdulgafar who hinted that 5 committees have been set up to cater for indigent and needy students, ensure improved standard of education and increased school enrollment, added that over 3,000 copies of customized notebook have been printed through donations from the stakeholders in the local government.
The summit had in attendance the representatives of the Association of Model Islamic Schools, AMIS and Legue of Imams and Alfas, mosques across the 11 wards in Egbeda local government, a member of Oyo State Pilgrims Welfare Board (Muslim Wing), Alhaja Fatima Atobatele among other dignitaries.
