The Kwara State Governor, North Central Nigeria, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, has urged Islamic schools across Nigeria to embrace technology and modern skills while preserving their religious and intellectual heritage to prepare students for the demands of a changing world.
The governor, who was represented by his senior special assistant on special duties, Razaq Jiddah, made the call at the centenary celebration of Al-Zumuratul Al-Adabiyyah School of Arabic and Islamic Studies in Ilorin, Kwara State.
He said integrating Arabic and Islamic education with digital technology, entrepreneurship, and mathematics and communication skills would produce graduates capable of contributing meaningfully to national development.
AbdulRazaq described the institution’s 100-year milestone as a celebration of a legacy built on scholarship, discipline, sacrifice, and service to humanity.
In his speech delivered at the event, the governor encouraged the school’s management to explore curriculum development, teacher training, digital learning, improved libraries, research and partnerships with other reputable educational institutions.
“There should be no contradiction between sound religious education and the acquisition of useful modern skills. Properly integrated, they can produce graduates who are spiritually grounded, intellectually equipped, economically productive, and socially responsible,” he said.
He urged Islamic schools to provide students with a strong foundation in the Qur’an, Hadith, Arabic language, Islamic jurisprudence, history and ethics, alongside competencies required to thrive in the modern economy.
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The governor also stressed the importance of helping students distinguish authentic knowledge from misinformation and constructive religious teachings from messages promoting hatred, intolerance and violence.
He said religious education had an important role to play in promoting moral responsibility, peaceful coexistence and respect for human dignity in a diverse country such as Nigeria.
“Our religious scholars and teachers have an important responsibility to guide the younger generation towards responsible citizenship, lawful conduct, respect for constituted authority, and peaceful engagement with society,” he said.
AbdulRazaq challenged students to reject corruption, indiscipline, violence and dishonesty while embracing hard work, integrity, tolerance and service to humanity.
On government support for education, the governor said his administration recognised the contributions of institutions that promote learning, character formation and human development.
He noted, however, that government could not shoulder the responsibility of education alone, calling for stronger collaboration among families, religious institutions, traditional rulers, alumni associations, philanthropists and community leaders.
He urged the school’s management and alumni to develop a sustainable plan for its next phase of growth, focusing on infrastructure, teacher development, student support, learning resources and long-term financial sustainability.
The governor also called on individuals, corporate organisations and community associations to support credible initiatives aimed at improving the quality and reach of Arabic and Islamic education.
AbdulRazaq reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to working with relevant stakeholders, within the framework of its educational policies and available resources, to advance education across Kwara State.
He also paid tribute to the late founder of the Ansarul Islam Society of Nigeria, Sheikh Muhammad Kamalud-deen Al-Adabiy, whose contributions helped advance Arabic and Islamic scholarship in Ilorin and beyond.
The Governor noted that Ilorin had earned a prominent place in Nigeria’s Islamic intellectual heritage through generations of scholars, Qur’anic teachers, jurists and religious leaders whose influence extended beyond Kwara State.
He expressed hope that the school’s next century would bring greater academic excellence, improved facilities, and expanded opportunities for students and wider recognition for its contributions to education and community development.
The event was attended by the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar; the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero; former Senate President Bukola Saraki; and other eminent personalities.
At the event, AbdulRazaq announced a donation of ₦180 million on behalf of his family and the Kwara State Government to support the institution.
