Muslim Women Honoured for Academic Excellence in Nigeria

In a significant event to encourage girl-child education, As-Salaam, the Peace Magazine, honoured twenty-two exceptional young Muslim women from various universities across Nigeria.

The ceremony took place at the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) Auditorium in Abuja on Tuesday, showcasing the achievements of these young scholars who continue to thrive in their educational pursuits while embracing their cultural identities.

Leadership and Vision

Malam Murtala Aliyu, FNIO, Grand Patron of the Peace Magazine, presided over the occasion. In his welcome address, he emphasized the magazine’s commitment to Islamic advocacy and responsible news reporting.

“Our primary objective is to use our platform to promote a better-informed society and the sanctity of peaceful coexistence,” he stated.

Malam Aliyu highlighted the importance of education for both genders, urging parents to invest in the education of their daughters. He noted that cultural constraints have often sidelined women, but the initiative aims to inspire young girls to aspire to greatness.

“The honorees are being recognized for their academic excellence in specialized fields, and this event will become an annual tradition,” he added.

Inspirational Remarks

Professor Mallam Yusuf Ali, SAN, who was represented by Alhaji Abdulrasheed Usman, delivered opening remarks that further motivated the honorees.

He encouraged the young women to continue striving for excellence and reiterated the critical need for girl-child education in society.

AIG Aishatu Abubakar Baju, PhD, also spoke passionately about the significance of the event.

“Today, we celebrate intelligent brains under the veils,” she remarked, countering stereotypes that associate hijab-wearing women with backwardness or lack of education.

She praised the accomplishments of the honorees, who excelled in disciplines such as Engineering and Medicine.

A Call for Equal Opportunities

Dr. Baju urged young women to reject societal excuses for underachievement. “Once there is a fair playground for everyone, they should put in their best,” she emphasised.

Her message was clear: education empowers women and benefits society as a whole. “When you educate a man, you educate an individual; when you educate a woman, you educate a nation,” she asserted.

Honoree Voices

Among the honorees was Dr. Hajara Mohammad Tom from Kaduna State, who graduated as the overall best medical student from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.

Expressing her gratitude for the recognition, Dr. Tom encouraged fellow young girls to embrace their identities without compromising their aspirations.

“Stand firm and be the best version of yourself,” she advised, emphasising the importance of self-worth and resilience against stereotypes.

The event organized by As-Salaam the Peace Magazine serves as a powerful reminder of the potential of young Muslim women and the vital role of education in their lives.

By recognizing and celebrating their achievements, the initiative aims to inspire future generations to pursue their dreams and break barriers.