The grand halls of the Radisson Blu Hotel, GRA Ikeja, glittered with pride and promise as young Muslim achievers in Nigeria were honoured for attaining First Class honours in their academic pursuits. It was the Second Muslim First-Class Graduates Reception, a gathering that merged excellence with faith, celebrating the next generation of Muslim intellectuals.
The event, organized by the Mind Foundation for Development under the leadership of Dr. Muiz Banire SAN, was more than just a recognition ceremony. It was a statement—that brilliance, discipline, and spiritual devotion can thrive together.
Among the dignitaries who graced the colourful evening was the President of NASFAT, Dr. Ayodeji AbdulWahid AbdulRauf, FCS. In his remarks, Dr. AbdulRauf hailed the graduates for their resilience and commitment to excellence. He noted that beyond academic brilliance, the pursuit of moral uprightness remains central to building a prosperous, value-driven Muslim community.
“Education is the backbone of societal progress,” he said, “but when fused with strong values and faith, it becomes a tool for shaping not just individuals, but entire generations.”
NASFAT itself has long embodied this ethos with over 360 branches worldwide, the society has become a beacon for Muslims seeking spiritual growth alongside intellectual empowerment. From its programs on education and health to its emphasis on moral reorientation, NASFAT continues to guide its members with principles rooted in deep Islamic injunctions.
The ceremony also welcomed Hajia Hadiza Bala Usman Special Adviser to the President on Policy Formulation, who lauded the initiative as both timely and inspirational. She described the reception as “a platform that grooms role models who embody faith, leadership, and intellect—qualities Nigeria desperately needs in its future leaders.”
The evening concluded with a reaffirmation of purpose: that excellence in academics is not at odds with devotion to faith, but rather, both can complement each other in producing leaders of integrity and vision.
As the young graduates posed for photographs, the smiles on their faces told a story of hope—that a new generation of Nigerian Muslims is ready to rise, equipped not just with degrees, but with values that can reshape society.
