By Abdulquadri Olanrewaju
The student wing of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at of Nigeria, Ahmadi Muslim Students’ Association (AMSA) has held a special edition of her Annual Higher Institution Convention (AHIC) in celebration of her ruby jubilee in Nigeria.
The convention came up between Thursday 26th and Sunday 29th October, 2023, and was held at the University of Lagos, Lagos state. The event was full of memories of the past and lessons for future progress.
Throughout the years, Ahmadi Muslim Students with the support of the Ahmadiyya Khilafah (leadership) have been an imperative part of the Muslim Students in Nigeria and played a pivotal role in advocating for the rights of Muslim Students and the establishment of Islamic associations (like Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria) similar to those of their Christian counterparts nationwide. Despite the later opposition faced from the Muslim Students’ Society due to their belief in the Promised Messiah, AMSA emerged resilient. This adversity led to the formation of the Ahmadi Students’ association.
The establishment of the association occurred in 1983, a fortunate period when Ahmadi students were present in significant numbers across various institutions pursuing diverse fields of study including Sciences, Arts, Laws(Shari’ah and common) Engineering, Health, etc. Even with the discriminatory treatments by members of MSSN and lecturers, AMSA over the past four decades has consistently made significant impacts in academic excellence, spiritual growth, moral integrity and societal development which is evident in its core values, mission, vision and programs. This enduring commitment is encapsulated in its motto: “Help the cause of Allāh, that you may be helped”.
At the event, the Amir of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at of Nigeria, Alh. (Barr.) AbdulAzeez Folorunsho Alatayo, compared the association’s ruby anniversary to the age at which Hadhrat Muhammad Mustapha (SAW) became a Prophet, at 40 years old. He stated, “You must note that the real Tabligh (propagation) is just starting as you celebrate your 40th anniversary.” He added, “I understand that each of you has your individual challenges; however, never let those challenges detract you from pursuing quality education. Hudhur (aba) has said that an Ahmadi should never drop out of school.”
Barr. Alatoye also charged the students to be reformers, face obstacles with confidence, and rely on prayers in times of difficulty.
In his keynote address, Prof. AbdurRahman Abdullah who was a AMSA president in the year 1988 till 1990 said that, the MSSN treacherously used the power at their disposal to deceive the regulatory authorities of the various higher institutions to deny AMSA formal registration and thus incapacitating most unit branches in the various institutions from functioning on campus for several years. He continued: “The more the orthodox Muslims exhibit their antagonistic postures, the clearer the difference between the Ahmadis and them become glaring”.
Prof AbdurRahmon charged AMSA members to transit en masse into their second degree and at least half of them should earn PhD as this will help AMSA stride a step ahead. He encouraged that the spirit of sacrifice and dedication is the only thing needed by Allah to pave way for success.
The past AMSA presidents and pioneer member featured in the panel discussion includes Mu’allim Taoheed Shoboyede, the first AMSA Lagos state President (1984-1986) and first Editor-in-chief Al-Hikmah (now Adh-Dhikr) magazine (1984), and respected former presidents, Dr. Taofeeq Sanni and Mu’allim Muhammad Waiz Apooyin, all encouraged the students to be responsible and build their confidence with knowledge and morals to spread the teachings of the Promised Messiah across campuses.The students were urged to be persuasive, prayerful and extra polite while inviting people to the community.
The event also featured esteemed guests, including Prof. Luqman Adeoti, Head of Muslim Professors at the University of Lagos, who emphasized the importance of confidence in conveying Islamic teachings effectively, he also urged the students to maintain the high standards in morality and academics known with Ahmadis.
Other respected individuals that graced the events were Engr. AbdulWaheed Adeoye, National President, Ahmadiyya Muslim Elders’ Association (MAAN), Mr. AbdulRoqib Akinyemi, National President, Ahmadiyya Muslim Youth Organization (MKAN), Mr. Tajudeen Oladoja, National Ta’leem (Education) Secretary AMJN, pioneer members, and past presidents namely, Alh. Musa Lakunle Bello, Pioneer Assistant Social Secretary, Engr. Shakirullah AbdulSalam, Second National President and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Housing, Ogun State, Mr. Azeez Alaran, and Hafiz AbdurRoqeeb Alaka, former National Presidents.
The convention comprised various educational and entertaining programs, including an enlightening campaign on examination malpractice, career talks, inspiring lectures, launching of annual magazine, tech expo, public speaking seminar, marriage counseling sessions, writing and cooking competition, courtesy visitations and sporting activities.
With over 200 delegates from 17 institutions in attendance, the AMSA convention celebrated its rich history and inspired students to continue their pursuit of knowledge, morality, and societal contribution.
