‘MSSN should be led by students’

Muslim stakeholders in the country on Saturday called for the return of the Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria (MSSN) to full student leadership, in line with its founding principles.

The call was made at the 2025 edition of the National Higher Institution Convention of Muslim Students (NHICOMS), held at the University of Ilorin, Kwara State.

The four-day convention, themed “Changing the Narratives in an Evolving World: The Muslim Students as Pilots,” brought together students from universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education across Nigeria.

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The Chairman of the event, Prof. Yusuf Olaolu Ali (SAN), said the MSSN once played a strong and influential role in national discourse, particularly in the 1980s.

He said the society had access to political leaders and traditional rulers and was regarded as a credible platform for youth engagement.

Prof. Ali urged current student members to reclaim that position and make their voices heard in national development.

He said the vibrancy and relevance of the organisation must be restored through active student participation and strong leadership.

Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof. Wahab Egbewole Olasupo (SAN), also backed the call for the MSSN to be led strictly by students.

He said the leadership of the society should not be left in the hands of older individuals, who are often burdened by family and work responsibilities.

Prof. Egbewole said many qualified student leaders are being sidelined, despite having the drive and competence to lead effectively.

He called for a return to the original structure of the MSSN to enable it to regain its credibility and relevance.

Also speaking at the event, former Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin and Registrar of the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, raised concerns about the negative portrayal of Muslims in the media.

He said Muslims are frequently labelled as extremists, while other groups committing similar acts are described differently.

Oloyede who was represented by Prof. Rafiu Adebayo, Provost of the Federal College of Education, Iwo, identified media bias, political exclusion, and lack of inclusive education as key factors behind the continued stereotyping of Muslims.

He called for deliberate efforts to change the narrative and promote a fairer representation of Muslims in public discourse.

First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, in her presentation, stressed the importance of Muslim youth stepping forward to lead with integrity and a sense of purpose.

Represented by a Senior Special Assistant to the President, Office of the First Lady, Hon. Wahab Alawiye, said the Wife of the President believes in the potential of MSSN to drive civic responsibility, social cohesion, and youth empowerment across the country.

Alawiye also shared his personal commitment to supporting the organisation’s efforts, particularly in promoting job creation and national development in underserved communities.

He encouraged the students to embrace the ideas shared during the convention and turn them into action.

“They must realize that there is new innovation with the involvement of technology and that must be imbibed in their leadership.

“This event is very important because MSSN is a veritable platform for building leadership and students must be committed and focused in making sure they imbibe all the things discussed today to make Nigeria great again”, he added.

The 38th National Amir of MSSN, Mustapha Tajudeen Olumide, charged Muslim students to rise to the demands of the present time by becoming agents of positive change.

He said the convention aimed to build leadership capacity, promote Islamic values, and provide mentorship on career and entrepreneurship.

Olumide described the gathering as a call to action, urging participants to commit to excellence, discipline, and God-consciousness in all areas of their lives.

Earlier, national PRO, Mall. Moshood Olatunbi Abiola, said this year’s program is curated to empower every participant with relevant skills, enduring values, and a deepened sense of mission.

“The gathering is designed to be a turning point to rewrite narratives and empower a new generation of young Muslim students to chart bold, faithful, and forward-thinking paths for themselves, their communities, and the Ummah at large”.

Grand Khadi, Kwara State Shariah Court of Appeal, Justice Abdullateef Kamaldeen and Director-General, Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies (NIALS), Prof Abdulqadir Ibrahim Abikan were in attendance and also aligned their position with the other speakers.

Daily Trust reports that the 4-day event featured workshops on leadership, public speaking, digital literacy, and ethical business practices alongside thrilling intellectual competitions, Qur’an recitations, exhibitions, and vibrant networking among student leaders.

Source: DailyTrust | Continue to Full Story…