The Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria (MSSN) has called on the Federal Government to extend the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) to cover postgraduate students, citing the rising financial challenges faced by graduates seeking further education.
This appeal was among the key resolutions contained in the communiqué issued at the end of the 2025 National Higher Institution Convention of Muslim Students (NHICOMS), which concluded on Saturday at the University of Ilorin, Kwara State.
The convention, held between July 31 and August 3, brought together hundreds of Muslim students from universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education across Nigeria under the theme “Changing the Narratives in an Evolving World: The Muslim Students as Pilots.”
Commending the government’s initiative, MSSN noted that NELFUND had already made a positive impact by easing financial burdens on undergraduates, but insisted that its benefits must be extended to postgraduate students who are increasingly being shut out of academic advancement due to funding limitations.
“We commend the Federal Government for the introduction and implementation of NELFUND. It has positively impacted student retention by reducing financial strain.
However, to ensure inclusivity and deeper national development, we recommend the fund’s expansion to cover postgraduate students as well,” the communiqué read.
The four-day convention featured leadership training, intellectual discourse, Qur’an recitation contests, workshops, and exhibitions showcasing innovations by Muslim students.
Discussions also addressed key issues such as Islamic leadership, digital disruption, and nation-building.
Among the dignitaries who graced the event were Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, CON, represented by Hon. Wahab Alawiye; former Kano State Governor, Senator Ibrahim Shekarau; Registrar of JAMB, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede (represented by Prof. Rafiu Adebayo); the Grand Khadi of Kwara State, Hon. Justice Abdullateef Kamaldeen; and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof. Wahab Egbewole, SAN.
In his keynote address, Senator Shekarau spoke on “Islamic Perspective on Leadership, Patriotism, and Nation Building,” while Prof. Olatunji Adams delivered a lecture titled “Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Work: Opportunities for the Muslim Ummah.”
The MSSN further raised concerns over the marginalization of Muslim youths in national leadership spaces, lack of effective mentorship, and the erosion of Islamic values due to societal trends.
The organization condemned what it described as growing moral decadence, particularly the rising trend of indecent conduct during secondary school sign-out celebrations.
Other resolutions included a call on the Muslim Ummah to adopt artificial intelligence and digital technologies in education and governance, the establishment of structured mentorship systems for youth leadership development, and the creation of national reward schemes for academic excellence similar to those for sports achievements.
Reaffirming its commitment to youth development, the MSSN emphasized its dedication to raising a generation of Muslim leaders who are “spiritually grounded, intellectually equipped, and socially responsible.”
The MSSN urged stakeholders, government agencies, and the Muslim community to act on its resolutions to safeguard the future of young Muslim professionals and scholars in Nigeria.
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