Education Summit: OSMC charges stakeholders on awareness, significance of Arabic, Islamic studies

A Nigerian religious group, Osun State Muslim Community, has held stakeholders’ education summit meeting as part of activities marking the new Hijrah year 1443.

The meeting, which was held at the secretariat of OSMC in Osogbo, the state capital, was attended by top Muslim personalities.

The Vice Chancellor of Osun State University, Professor Labo Popoola, was the chairman of the summit with the theme “Education and Socio-Economic Insecurity of Graduates of Islamiyah Schools in Osun State”.

While speaking about the summit, the President of OSMC, Alhaji Mustafa Adeleke Olawuyi, said the summit was organised to brainstorm on ways young Muslims can obtain the best forms of education and live quality life.

Some of the stakeholders at the summit included an Emeritus Professor Obafemi from Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Professor Yakubu Fabiyi, Justice Zakariyyah Oyejide Falola and Justice Raheem Siyanbola of Osun State High Court.

Others were the Director General of Osun State Broadcasting Corporation (OSBC), Alhaji Rasheed Folaranmi, Justice Moshood Adeigbe, (retired) Dr Abdulganiyu Badmus.

Also at the meeting were, Alhaja Ramat Arike Omisore, Alhaja Sidikat Atinuke Daudu and Alhaja Kudirat Abeke Nafiu and other top Muslim women were at the summit.

In a communiqué issued at the end of the summit, OSMC commended Osun State University (UNIOSUN) for establishing Arabic and Islamic studies Department in the institution.

OSMC, however, expressed worry over the poor enrolment of students for Arabic and Islamic Studies programme which threatens its existence at the university.

“OSMC charges all stakeholders including government, parents and guardians to raise awareness of the importance of Arabic and Islamic Studies,” the communique reads.

It adds, “OSMC suggests to Uniosun to consider combining the Arabic and Islamic Studies programme with relevant courses such as Islamic law, Islamic Studies and commerce, Islamic studies and international relations so as to make it more attractive.

“OSMC suggests to Uniosun Arabic and Islamic Department to consider introduction of short courses and crash programmes that can lead to awards of certificates and diplomas.”

OSMC expressed its appreciation to those who are currently sponsoring some students studying Arabic and Islamic Studies and urged wealthy Muslims and organizations to set up scholarship for indigent students of Arabic and Islamic Studies at Osun State University.

It urged the Arabic and Islamic Studies department to approach local, national and international donors for grants and professorial chairs.

The group observed that piety taught by Arabic and Islamic Studies instils fear of God in people, discourage corruption and social vices, thereby curbing injustice and insecurity.

OSMC urged government at all levels to employ graduates of Arabic and Islamic Studies without discrimination.