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The First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu at the weekend lauded the leadership of the Muslim Students Society of Nigeria (MSSN) for their roles in fostering unity and morality among colleagues across the higher institutions in the country.
Senator Oluremi expresses this at the opening ceremony of the National Higher Institution Convetion of Muslim Students (NHICOMS) held at the University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Kwara State.
The first lady who was represented at the event by the Senior Special Assistant on public affairs and strategy, Hon. Wahab Alawiye-King, said “I thank the leadership of this organization for the kind invitation and for recognizing my work in education and youth empowerment.
“The theme of this year’s convention, “Changing the Narratives in an Evolving World: The Muslim Youth as Pilots” is both timely and thoughtful. We live in a rapidly changing global landscape where technology, values, and ideologies are constantly evolving. In such a world, Muslim youth must rise as leaders, thinkers, change-makers, and pilots who navigate with faith, integrity, and purpose.
“I am particularly inspired by the MSSN’s role in shaping young minds who are grounded not only in academic excellence but also in spiritual consciousness and civic responsibility. Your work continues to foster unity among Nigerian students, while also building bridges across communities and institutions.
“Through the Renewed Hope Initiative of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which built on the foundation of equity, justice, and inclusive growth, I remain committed to promoting national cohesion, civic responsibility, social development, and the empowerment of our youth, particularly those in underserved communities.”
Delivering the keynote address on the theme of the event, the guest speaker, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, represented by Prof. Rafiu Adebayo highlighted some negative narratives currently associated with Muslims, especially youth to includes: Extremism and backwardness. Lack of a functional education system. Lack of innovation and creativity. Cultural rigidity and intolerance.
He however challenged MSSN and Muslims in general to be up and doing in changing the narrative for a better image of Islam.
“To reverse the tide, Muslim communities must invest in: Quality and holistic education. Youth empowerment and leadership. Critical Islamic scholarship. Global engagement based on Islamic ethics.
“Narratives can be changed, but not by mere slogans, they must be changed by action, excellence, and moral leadership.
“We are living through a transformative era, a time when the world is not merely changing, but evolving at a speed and scale that is unprecedented. This evolving world is defined by a complex blend of innovation, disruption, uncertainty, and
possibility. For every opportunity it presents, there is a corresponding challenge, let us explore how this dynamic landscape is shaped by five major forces: Technology and Artificial Intelligence. Climate and environmental change. Global economic reorientation. Social activism and value shifts. Media dominance and culture wars.
He however challenged the Muslim youth to be strong intellectually, spiritually and socially and be ready to turn the challenges of a changing world into platforms of purpose.
“In this evolving world, knowledge is power, and those who control the narratives shape policies, laws, media, education, and even public morality.
“Muslim students must recognize that this is not an era for passivity or isolation. This is the time to step into the arena, engage the world with ideas, innovations, and Islamic ethics.
“Indeed, the theme of this convention is a clarion call; a wake-up trumpet for Muslim youth, especially students, to rise beyond stereotypes, to lead in excellence, and to redefine the future according to divine guidance and ethical values.”
In his closing remarks, National Ameer of MSSN, Engr. Tajudeen Olumide expresses appreciation to all the participating Muslim students across the higher institutions of the federation and assured that all the advice and recommendations highlighted by various speakers at the event will be looked into and applied appropriately.
The convention was chaired by Prof. Yusuf Ola-Olu Ali (SAN), and contributions from Grand Khadi of Ilorin, Justice Abdulateef Kamaldeen, Director General of the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies (NIALS), Prof. Abdulqadir Ibrahim Abikan, Vice-Chancellor University of Ilorin, Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN, and many other Muslim ambassadors.
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