The Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Professor Ishaq Oloyede, has advised the leadership of the Muslim Students Society of Nigeria (MSSN) to adopt an all-embracing and non-discriminatory approach to Islamic propagation and membership recruitment.
Delivering a lecture titled “The Paragon” to herald the 1447 A.H. Jihad Week of the MSSN, University of Ibadan, held at the institution’s Islamic Centre, Professor Oloyede emphasized the need for inclusiveness among Muslim students irrespective of sect or background.
He urged members to exemplify the teachings of Islam through their conduct, stressing that true propagation lies in character and sincerity.
“Know who you are; seek knowledge of Islam for valid acts of worship, keep good company, be sincere, and let your conduct attract others to the religion,” he counseled.
Professor Oloyede, who also serves as the Secretary-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), enjoined Muslim students to foster genuine brotherhood, maintain cordial relationships, and act as positive influencers guided by the Qur’an and prophetic principles.
In his goodwill message, the Vice President of the Muslim Ummah of South West Nigeria (MUSWEN), Alhaji Rafiu Ebiti, emphasized the pivotal role of MSSN in Islamic advocacy and educational development, urging the student body to embrace change positively while sustaining its legacy of service.
A patron of MSSN and retired university don, Professor Rashid Aderinoye, lauded the association for serving as a leadership and moral training ground for youths, instilling discipline, good character, and patriotism.
Similarly, Engineer Idris Olaoye, who chaired the occasion, praised the founding fathers of MSSN for mentoring generations of young Muslims to become exemplary ambassadors of Islam.
Also speaking, Chief Ahmed Raji (SAN), represented by Alhaji Saheed Alaran, urged Muslim students to uphold humility, prioritize divine guidance in all endeavours, and build a stronger association that reflects the values of integrity and service.
Earlier, the Ameer of MSSN, University of Ibadan, Ustaz Umar-Faruk Kamorudeen, charged members to live up to the theme of the Jihad Week by embodying piety and standing firm for truth and righteousness even when unpopular.
Highlights of the event included award presentations to Professors Ishaq Oloyede and Rashid Aderinoye, Engineer Idris Olaoye, and Barrister Ahmed Raji (SAN); Qur’an recitation by Ustaz Usman Ariyo; the launch of Adh-Dhikr magazine; and a welcome parade by MSSNUI soldiers.
Reporting by Sherifdeen Nashirdeen