The quest to bridge the educational gap and ensure significant Muslim representation in all sectors received a major boost as the Muslim Community of Lagos State (MCLS) Postgraduate Scholarship Foundation awarded its second set of Ph.D. scholarships.
The event, held at the Lagos State Secretariat Central Mosque Hall, Alausa, Ikeja, saw speakers charging the beneficiaries to leverage their advanced knowledge to impact national development, contribute to policy upgrade, and correct outdated interpretations of Islamic texts.
The foundation’s initiative is a direct response to a worrying decline in Muslim presence across key industries and professions, despite a strong historical legacy of learning.
The Chairman of the Project and Implementation Committee, MCLS Postgraduate Scholarship Foundation, Prof Tajudeen Gbadamosi, outlined the rationale, noting that the earliest universities in the world were established in Morocco and Egypt, with West Africa during the Malian Empire also boasting three universities.
However, Prof. Gbadamosi lamented the current state: “Today, we have 300 universities in Nigeria, and the Muslim presence is marginal.”
He stressed that this is unacceptable, particularly since Africa introduced the concept of the university to the world.
He reminded the audience of the pioneering efforts of their forefathers, who established institutions like Ansar-Ud-Deen and Nawair-Ud-Deen. “It is our intention to continue the work that our forefathers were doing,” he declared.
He stated, that the ultimate goal of the scholarship is to ensure that Muslims regain their rightful place in the topmost positions.
“We embark on this programme so that Muslims can come out, develop themselves fully, and contribute significantly to national development.”
Adding to the call for greater impact, Prince Tajudeen Oluyole Olusi urged the new Ph.D. holders to use this knowledge to foster better understanding of Islam.
He highlighted two critical areas for their focus: re-evaluating and correcting outdated interpretations in Islamic texts, and direct participation in the nation’s decision-making process.
Dr. Olusi pointed to a common misinterpretation, noting that the name ‘Esu,’ used for Satan in some Quran translations, is actually the name of an individual.
He suggested this stem from early translations of the Bible, though he noted that Christians have since corrected the error.
He urged the newly qualified scholars to work towards changing all these types of interpretations that are still common in Islamic texts.
Furthermore, he stressed the need for Muslims to be part of the country’s decision-makers. “Being a cleric or a Muslim does not stop you from participating in politics. The Quran even encourages this. If we are not there, we cannot contribute to policy-making,” he asserted.
A retired Jurist, Justice Ishola Olohunnibe, said the scholarship serves as a reminder to the beneficiaries to utilize this divinely granted opportunity with humility, dedication and a sense of profound responsibility to their community and nation.
“The scholarship should be viewed as a sacred trust bestowed by God, compelling tyou to strive for excellence and contribute significantly to national development.”
Representing the Deputy Governor, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, Permanent Secretary of the Land Bureau, Kamardeen Olowosago, commended the initiative but urged the community to intensify its efforts.
He warned that if Muslims are not consistently encouraged through such initiatives, then we won’t be able to cross the bridge.
Olowosago drew attention to a major paradox revealed in Prof. Gbadamosi’s research: Muslims have the highest population in Lagos State, yet less than 10 percent of Muslims are in key sectors.
He therefore challenged the community’s reluctance to support religious and educational development.
“Why is it that when it comes to spending on Islam, we don’t?” He questioned, lamenting that if all invited attendees had turned up, the foundation could have disbursed the entire scholarship fund at once. “If we spend on the religion, Allah will reward us in manifold.”
The ceremony also featured the launching of the Alumni Association by Dr. Abdullahi Shuaib, who administered the oath of office. He congratulated the recipients, stating: “Dear Alumni, this is your community… Together, you have the power to inspire one another, open new doors, and extend the foundation’s impact.”
Dr. Shuaib expressed optimism that the association would become “a vibrant space where you connect, collaborate, and continue shaping a better future, not only for yourselves but for the Muslim community of Lagos State and beyond, and for our great country.”
He urged them to serve as ambassadors and to pay back to the community: “I want you to impact others who are waiting to benefit.”
Oba Semiu Adegoroye, the Onigbogbo of Igbogbo Land, described the scholarship as a lofty program the community had been yearning for. He advised the beneficiaries to utilize it to the fullest and come back to give back to the society and be a mentor to others.
