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Islamic Cleric Advocates for Better Support and Leadership Development for Imams


The Chief Imam of the University of Lagos (UNILAG), Professor Ismail Musa, has called for enhanced support and leadership training for Imams to tackle contemporary challenges effectively.

Professor Musa, who also serves as the Head of the Department of Religious Studies, made this call during a two-day workshop themed Training LASUSTECH Imams for Contemporary Challenges. The event was held on January 25 and 26, 2025, at the Ikorodu Campus of the Lagos State University of Science and Technology (LASUSTECH).

Professor Musa outlined the qualities, roles, and responsibilities of Imams in Nigerian tertiary institutions, emphasizing the need for time management and sustainable mosque management practices.

“Time management is crucial for student Imams who must balance academics and religious duties,” he said. He also advocated for better welfare for Imams, stressing that “an Imam should earn more than a professor to reflect the respect and responsibility of the position.”
He further encouraged the establishment of mosques as centers of excellence, both spiritually and socially. “The mosque should not only be a spiritual hub but also a center for moral and social excellence,” he noted. He urged Muslim communities to support student-led initiatives and create opportunities for talented youth to pursue leadership roles in mosque management.

Professor Tajudeen Yusuf, in his lecture, highlighted the critical role of the Muslim executive council in managing community affairs. He explained that the council, rooted in the prophetic era and caliphate system, is responsible for religious, social, and administrative matters in collaboration with the Imam.

“The council plays a vital role in fostering unity, growth, and adherence to Islamic values,” Professor Yusuf said. He stressed the council’s responsibilities, including conflict resolution, education and training, and organizing programs that emphasize spiritual growth, academic excellence, and societal contributions.

Participants at the workshop shared their experiences, reflecting on the impact of the training. Engineer Muslihudeen Dawodu, a campus Imam, praised the program for fostering tolerance and enhancing leadership skills.

“The Quran recognizes our differences. With tolerance, everyone can cohabitate peacefully,” he said, calling for the appointment of resident Imams, jointly funded by universities and Muslim communities, to strengthen mosque leadership.

Waliyullah Mustafa, President of the Muslim Students Society of Nigeria (MSSN), Isolo Campus, described the workshop as an eye-opener. “One of the key takeaways for me is the need to organize lectures in a more structured way,” he said, emphasizing the importance of collaboration between the MSSN and the Muslim community in fostering growth.

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