COMMUNIQUE ISSUED AT THE END OF A 4-DAY NATIONAL HIGHER INSTITUTION CONVENTION OF MUSLIM STUDENTS (NHICOMS) ORGANIZED BY THE MUSLIM STUDENTS’ SOCIETY OF NIGERIA “A” ZONE HEADQUARTERS (19 NORTHERN STATES AND F.C.T – ABUJA) BETWEEN 18TH AND 21ST MAY 2017CE (21ST-24TH SHA’ABAN 1438AH) AT U.B.E TEACHERS’ TRAINING CENTRE, GUSAU, ZAMFARA STATE
PREAMBLE
The 30th National Higher Institution Convention of Muslim Students (NHICOMS) was organized by the Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria “A” Zone (19 Northern States and F.C.T – Abuja) with the aim of exposing Muslim students in higher institutions to research, public speaking and also to improve their manners of expression.
The programme featured among other activities; debate (Arabic and English), paper presentations from higher institutions, ta’alimat, lectures, MSSN forum, Marriage Guidance and Counseling Committee (MAGACO) session, resolutions and communiqué.
The paper presenter, Dr. Yusuf Yaqub Obadaki of Ahmadu Bello University Zaria, made a presentation on “Reading: the Language of Readiness”. The session was chaired by Dr. Bello Ladan Kaura of School of Education, FCET, Gusau.
The closing ceremony was attended by high profile personalities and the theme paper “Appreciating our Value Systems: The Time and Space Factor” was presented by Prof. M. B. Usman of ABU Zaria and chaired by Prof. Abdullahi Muhammad Shinkafi Secretary to Zamfara State Government.
Amongst the important dignitaries who graced the programme were: Dr. Bello Kaura, Bro Auwal Yunus National Secretary General of MSSN, Dr. Adamu Aliyu former National Ameer of MSSN, HRH. Alhaji Ibrahim Bello, Sarkin Katsina Gusau, represented by Alhaji Bashir Muhammad Danbaba Sarkin Gabas, Bro Ahmad Abubakar Commissioner, Ministry of Science and Technology, Hajia Hauwa Muhammad Principal GGSS Gusau, the Executive Director School of Nursing and Mid-wifery represented by Mallam Aliyu Shehu Academic Secretary of the School, Mallam Atiku Sani Maradun Executive Secretary of Zamfara State Feeding Board, Mallam Yusuf Yaqub Arrigassiyu former A-Zone Chairman MSSN and the host of others.
Total number of 12 Area Units, 42 higher institutions and 170 participants (107 Brothers and 63 Sisters) were in attendance.
After series of presentations, deliberations and discussions, the following observations and recommendations were made:
OBSERVATIONS
It was observed that:
1. Generally, people do not read, however, they engage in making noises and having discussions.
2. Muslims have failed to identify their responsibilities; instead, they shift their responsibilities to others.
3. It’s worth noting that unity among Muslims, compatibility of Qur’an and science, Maqasidu Shari’ah, five pillars of Islam and articles of faith are also part of our fundamental value systems in Islam.
4. MSSN programmes especially in higher institutions are not packaged well enough to attract all members of the society.
5. With the seeming increase in the rate of social media platforms use among youth, they tend to waste precious time on less beneficial activities.
RECOMMENDATIONS
The society recommends that:
1. Reading should be made as part of family schedules in every home and our societal activities. Individuals should also cultivate the habit of wide reading of not only Islamic books, but general beneficial books and studying them.
2. We are the best of all communities, so we need to identify our responsibilities and regain our lost values economically and educationally.
3. The entirety of the Muslims should straighten unity among their members, identifying the compatibility of the Qur’an and science, establishing Maqasidu Shari’ah, the pillars of Islam and the Articles of faith.
4. MSSN at various levels should endeavour to carry audience along by organizing programmes that are relevant and captivating.
5. The Muslim youth should be encouraged to make the social media a means of inviting people to Islam commanding good and forbidding bad.
6. The Society calls for the immediate investigation of the allegation and if guilty, prosecution of one Dr. Nana, the coordinator of JAMB Centre in Jabu Ikeyi Arekeji, Osun State who stripped a female Muslim JAMB candidate of her hijab claiming it is part of JAMB examination instructions.
7. The love of the companions of Rasuulullaah (blessings and peace of Allaah be upon him and may Allaah be pleased with his companions) is a necessary compliment of every Muslim which forms part of our iman and the society should always dedicate time for the discussion of their virtues in every programme and gatherings.
8. It has come to the notice of the MSSN that efforts have been put in place by the JAMB under the leadership of Prof. Ishaq Oloyede to ensure that, the rights of our brothers that are physically challenged are realized. On the above note the society commends this laudable effort by JAMB, acknowledges Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, the Registrar of the Board, calls the Government to support this initiative and implores teachers and administrators of the institutions of people with disability to brace up looking at the enormous nature of the trust given to them.
9. The Society calls on the general public to be compassionate and avoid unnecessary skyrocketing and hike in price of goods against the forthcoming Ramadan.
10. The Muslim Ummah and sundry should engage in supplication for sound health and quick return of President Muhammadu Buhari.
CONCLUSION
We thank all those that contributed towards the success of the NHICOMS programme;
may Almighty Allah reward all in this world and Hereafter, amin.
Signed
Mal. Ishaq Muhammad Ishiyaku, Bro. Muhammad Isa,
Zonal Chairman. Zonal Secretary-General.
