Celebrating four decades of Islamic scholarship, community impact, and a vision for the future

By Sadiq Abdulfatah

The School of Arabic & Islamic Studies, Markaz-ul-Uloom, Alagbado, Lagos, on Monday, November 24, launched its 15-day 40th anniversary celebration with a press conference at its Buyide Avenue campus. The programme, themed “Doing It Differently to Achieve Better Results,” included reflections from the founder, an interactive media session, a Q&A with journalists, and an exhibition of historical archives showcasing notable alumni achievements.

In his welcome address, Principal Sheikh Khalid Tijani described the 40-year milestone as a significant chapter in the school’s journey. “For four decades, Markaz-ul-Uloom has been a beacon of knowledge, moral excellence, and community service,” he said. “We have grown from a small circle of seekers into a vibrant institution impacting lives across generations.”

Founder Fadeelatu Sheikh Dr. Tunde Abdulazeez reflected on the school’s journey since its establishment in 1985, tracing its roots to Markaz Taleem al-‘Arabiy wal-Islamy in Agege and inspired by the reformist legacy of Sheikh Adam Abdullah Al-Ilory. He highlighted the school’s achievements in producing scholars, teachers, imams, professionals, and leaders whose footprints can be found across Nigeria and beyond.

Looking ahead, Dr. Abdulazeez outlined six key pillars for the institution’s future, including integrating digital literacy with Islamic scholarship, establishing a Vocational and Empowerment Centre, setting up a Modern Arabic and Islamic Training Institute, providing scholarships for indigent students, expanding Da’wah outreach, and pursuing the Markaz-ul-Uloom University Project. He urged partners and stakeholders to support these initiatives, saying, “Join hands with us. Support a student. Sponsor a programme. Strengthen this institution.”

The press conference concluded with Dr. Salahudeen Taofiq Oladimeji, Chairman of the 40th Anniversary Planning Committee, emphasising the importance of media in preserving the school’s legacy. “From humble beginnings in Otubu, Agege, nurtured by vision and sustained by Allah’s grace, Markaz-ul-Uloom stands today as a testimony that great institutions can grow from small beginnings,” he said.

Source: The Nation