His Royal Highness, Oba Abdul-Rasheed Ayotunde Olabomi, Odundun IV, the Aragbiji of Iragbiji and Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, has urged the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at of Nigeria to uphold high standards of quality and discipline in the development of Minaret University, Ikirun. He made the remarks while receiving the leadership of Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at of Nigeria led by the Amir, Alhaj Alatoye Folorunso AbdulAzeez in his palace at Iragbiji, Osun State. The monarch offered strong words of support and counsel for the fast-growing Minaret University, Ikirun. He recalled the long-standing contribution of Ahmadiyya to the development of education in Nigeria. The development, he said, was a great boost to the efforts of regional and national government on educational development in the country.
The monarch emphasized the importance of strategic communication in building a credible institution. He particularly emphasized the need to carry out aggressive publicity in both conventional and unconventional media for Minaret University to improve students’ enrolment. He encouraged the University to deploy strong social media coverage to boost its image. According to him, everywhere the public turn going forward, the news should be about the Minaret University.
Oba Olabomi also advised the University Management not to compromise on quality in its teaching and other services of the institution. The Kabiyesi called their attention to the volatility and high labour mobility in university administration. He encouraged the Management to utilise the services of retired lecturers who possess vast experience in lecturing, and are more stable noting that younger lecturers often seek greener pastures.
He charged the Management of Minaret University to ensure they instil discipline in students stressing that knowledge without discipline is a waste. According to him, “Discipline is not just about faith and must remain a non-negotiable value. Universities must uphold standards firmly so that deviant behaviour does not evolve into gangs or dangerous groups,” he cautioned.
On infrastructural development, Kabiyesi charged the leadership of the jama’at to set clear timelines for the development of its permanent site. He urged the institution to maximize its land resources with a robust master plan, including building multi-storey structures capable of delivering both functionality and aesthetic appeal.
Against the backdrop of what he described as international conspiracy against Islam which negatively impacts funding, Oba Olabomi charged the leadership of Ahmadiyya to be as prudent as possible, connect with individuals who can support the Minaret project, and seek international support from Ahmadiyya worldwide.
Oba Olabomi also charged the Management to build strong collaboration with other faith-based universities to promote institutional learning and for increased visibility to attract students and lecturers of high repute.
The Amir, in his remarks, expressed appreciation for the warm reception and the monarch’s wise counsel, pledging that the Community would consider all the valuable points raised by His Majesty and continue to uphold the values of excellence and service for which Ahmadiyya is globally known for among other good works.
In the Amir’s entourage are former Amir of AMJN, Professor Mashhud Adenrele Fashola, the Missionary-in-Charge of AMJN, Maulana Adnan Tahir; the General Secretary of AMJN, Alhaji Ayelagbe Abdul-Jabar; Vice-Chancellor of Minaret University, Ikirun, Professor AbdurRahman Abdullah, among others
