In a vibrant celebration of academic endurance and cultural pride, Muslim Hands Toyyibat School of Excellence has hosted its End of Session Ceremony and Class of 2026 graduation.

The event, held at the school’s premises off Twins Obasa Street, Medina Estate Gate in Gbagada, marked a historic milestone, the institution’s first graduation since international charity Muslim Hands took over its management.

Founded 47 years ago, the school holds a storied position as a pioneer in Islamic education across Western Nigeria, boasting a legacy of prominent alumni. However, by 2022, the institution faced declining student enrollment and financial strain.

The downturn prompted school leadership to seek strategic support from Muslim Hands, the UK-founded international non-governmental organization established by Lakhte Hassan to deliver humanitarian relief and educational development worldwide.

Speaking at the ceremony, the Director of Muslim Hands International, Nigeria, Nurudeen Ibrahim, highlighted the remarkable turnaround achieved since the takeover. Beyond infrastructural and financial support, Ibrahim noted significant educational upgrades aimed at holistic development.

“When Muslim Hands took over, there were no indigenous language teachers,” Ibrahim told the audience. “Today, we have dedicated Yoruba instructors, a progress brilliantly demonstrated in today’s cultural displays.”

He further announced the introduction of a specialized Islamic Academy within the curriculum, encompassing Arabic language and Islamic sciences to prepare students for global competitions.

Reaffirming the organization’s commitment to educational mobility, Ibrahim disclosed that Muslim Hands currently provides full scholarships to 40 pupils, a number set to expand in the upcoming academic session.

Crucially, the aid extends beyond secondary education, one of this year’s top graduates has already secured a full scholarship funded by Muslim Hands to study cybersecurity at a university in Malaysia.

The Principal, Mr. Ayandele Goke Tajudeen, who joined the institution in 2022, praised the unwavering dedication of the teaching staff and the vision of the school’s late proprietress.

He emphasized that the school continues to maintain rigorous academic standards, encouraging Muslim children to excel academically while taking pride in their faith.

Addressing the graduating cohort comprising pupils transitioning from primary to secondary levels, junior to senior secondary, and the outgoing Senior Secondary 3 (SS3) class. Tajudeen urged them to carry the school’s values into the wider world.

“Stand out wherever you find yourselves, uphold honesty and bring honor back to your alma mater,” Tajudeen charged the graduates.

Expressing gratitude on behalf of the graduating class, the valedictorian and best graduating student, Tijani Adiya, described her journey from Junior Secondary School 1 as a transformative experience.

“It has been a great privilege to walk through these halls and graduate with so much knowledge and moral grounding,” Adiya said, extending heartfelt appreciation to her parents for their steadfast financial and emotional support throughout her studies.

As the school looks toward its next academic year under the motto “Education For All,” the successful session close signals a renewed chapter for one of Lagos’s most venerable faith-based learning institutions.