The Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRasaq, has attested that Markaz has been one of Nigeria’s leading institutions, playing a pivotal role, in promoting Arabic and Islamic education within the country and beyond.
He made the assertion during the first matriculation and anniversary of Markaz University College ceremonies in Agege, Lagos.
The governor, who was represented by his Senior Special Assistant on Community Development, Dr. Muhammad Awwal Olohungbebe, said that the introduction of degree awarding programmes by the vintage Arabic and Islamic Studies institute is a remarkable milestone and it is in line with the vision and focus of the founder, late Sheikh Adam El-lory, as well as his illustrious son, Sheikh Habeeb Adam El-lory, “in advancing human development.
“As a government, we understand and appreciate the impacts of collaboration, among the stakeholders, especially religious leaders.
“It’s vital for the government, the founder and the institution to work together, to encourage inclusion, raise productive citizens and promote sustainable development in the community.
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“Education is the cornerstone of national growth.
“As we strive to make higher education accessible and affordable, it’s equally important to renew our commitment to reform the higher education sector, to accommodate institutions like Markaz, address socio-economic challenges facing the country and improve social mobility across the board.
AndulRazaq congratulated the matriculants, affirming that they have made the right decision by choosing the institution, just as Markaz has global recognition for impacting knowledge and moral values.
Sheikh Habeeb El-lory in his address at the occasion disclosed that the thought about a university came after the centenary anniversary of his late father, Sheikh Adam El-lory, in 2018.
He recalled that since then, he has pre-occupied himself with the thought of the life and times of his late father, which he pointed out, were dedicated to knowledge searching, worshipping and spreading of knowledge.
Sheikh Habeeb specified that Markaz’s idea was an answer to the question of how best he could advance the legacy left by the internationally acclaimed great Islamic scholar – his father.
He thanked individuals who have contributed and supported the Markaz University project, calling on parents and guardians to encourage their children to seek admission to the institution.
The Vice Chancellor, African School of Economics, Nigeria, Prof. Mahfouz Adedimeji, in his keynote speech, expressed delight that Markaz University College, an affiliate of the University of Ilorin, started with a good and solid foundation.
Speaking on development, Adedimeji asserted that globally, the alumni and alumni bodies give substantial support to their alma mater.
He charged all Markaz old students on substantial and consistent support to the University College, including giving scholarships to students.
He reiterated that alumni should donate generously to improve facilities in Markaz, promote academic excellence, and institute scholarships to attract the best students.
Speaking in an interview at the event, the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman Governing Council, Summit University, Offa, Kwara State, Alhaji Rafiu Ebiti, charged the newly matriculated students to face their studies and be serious with the tasks ahead of them.
Alhaji Ebiti, who was among the dignitaries that attended the pioneer matriculation, affirmed that there was no limit to what the new students could do, citing the example that Arabic ranks alongside English as an international language.
“We should be able to fortify the quantum and quality of those who can communicate with and teach Arabic language,” he said, reasoning that the students have made a right choice by extending their knowledge of Arabic, therefore they should be encouraged in their new journey.
Speaking further, the industrialist and philanthropist disclosed that he postulated during the 50th anniversary of Markaz that the institute has the status of a university.
He declared that he was glad that the prediction he made years ago had come to pass and was more delighted that the University is specialised – for Arabic and Islamic knowledge.
While recalling bringing education experts from the Association of Arab Universities to Markaz to engage Mudir Sheikh El-lory for collaboration, Alhaji Ebiti asserted that Markaz University is something good, worth encouraging, with respect to expanding capability in the society, especially among the Muslims.
He said he looked forward to the institution becoming a full-fledged University, maintaining that his support for it won’t stop.
In his goodwill message, the Baba Adinni of Lagos, Alhaji Sikiru Alabi-Macfoy, stressed on the importance of succession plans.
Alabi-Macfoy commended Markaz for its milestone achievement over the years – for producing knowledgeable and courageous students, saying that the Lagos Muslim Ummah looks forward to the products of Markaz, especially the young ones, to be exposed and take over the leadership baton.
While the Vice Chancellor of UNILORIN, Prof. Wahab Egbewole, presided over the matriculation, the Registrar/Chief Executive Officer, Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, Prof. Is’haq Oloyede, graced the two ceremonies and coordinated raising of funds for the young University College.
The two-in-one event attracted Islamic scholars across the country, government officials, notably the Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr. Kadiri Obafemi Hamzah, represented by his Special Adviser on Islamic Affairs, Hon. Abdullahi Jebe, captains of industry and Markaz old students.
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