The leadership of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Students’ Association (AMSA) Nigeria marked their National Orientation Secondary School Program at Government Girl Secondary School (GGSS), Old Airport Road, Minna, Niger State, on Thursday, 10th October 2024. This year’s program, themed “Gender and Career Choices: Embracing Change and Lifelong Learning,” aimed to inspire female students to challenge gender roles in their career choices and embrace continuous learning.
The AMSA team received a warm reception from the school principal, counseling staff, Islamic teachers, and other esteemed staff members.
The event commenced at 9:45 AM with an inspiring speech from the President of AMSA, Al-Hafiz Sulaiman Abdul Qudus, who introduced the association as a sub-body of the Youth Wing of Majlis Khuddamul Ahmadiyya Nigeria (Ahmadi Muslim Youth Organization), under the umbrella of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat of Nigeria. In his speech, the president encouraged students to move beyond societal expectations and pursue careers that align with their passions and strengths, regardless of gender. He also emphasized the importance of adaptability and continuous learning in today’s dynamic job market.
Following this, the National Vice President (Admin), Bro. Abdul Basit Tijani, quoted a hadith of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him): “Acquisition of knowledge is a duty for every Muslim, both men and women.” He explained that Islam promotes equal access to education for all, irrespective of gender. Bro. Abdul Basit also highlighted lesser known science courses that students often overlook due to limited awareness, urging them to explore their options and avoid being swayed into subjects that do not align with their personal interests.
The session continued with a Quranic reference from Surah Al-Hujurat (49:13), where Allah emphasizes equality between men and women, stressing that righteousness is the only criterion for distinction in His sight, not gender, race, or tribe.
As the event drew to a close, Muavin Sadr MKA Nigeria (Personal Assistant to the National President of Ahmadi Muslim Youth Organization), Bro. Faruq Tella, encouraged the students to pursue their career aspirations boldly. He stressed that career choices should not be defined by gender, and that students, whether aspiring to become engineers, doctors, teachers, or entrepreneurs, should see no boundaries in what they can achieve. Bro. Faruq further advised students on the importance of correct course combinations and maintaining consistent use of their names on official documents to avoid future complications.
The event ended with a Question & Answer session, during which the president addressed student concerns, followed by a presentation of gifts to the students.
One standout moment came when the Senior Girl expressed her newfound interest in studying Agricultural Engineering, thanking the team on behalf of her peers.
In attendance were the National President, Al-Hafiz Sulaiman Abdul Qudus, Muavin Sadr MKAN, Bro. Faruq Tella, National Vice President (Admin), Bro. Abdul Basit Tijani, AMSA Unit President, Bro. Tejuosho Fawas, and Assistant PRO, Bro. Towolawi Aleemdeen.
