The Governor of Niger State in North Central Nigeria, Mohammed Umaru Bago, has called on Nigerians to prioritize respect for humanity over religious sentiments.
During the 2nd Public Lecture of the Al-Ansar Centre for Comprehensive Education (ACCE) in Abuja, Governor Bago expressed his appreciation to the founder for establishing the school, named Al-Ansar, which means ‘helper’ in Arabic.
The Governor urged the founder to open the school to students of all religious backgrounds. This, he believes, will ensure that the younger generation receives the right knowledge and education.
Highlighting his concerns about the treatment of others, Governor Bago emphasized that religion should never be imposed upon anyone.
Prof. Isah Pantami, the Chairman of the occasion and former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, represented by the Director General of Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited (NIGCOMSAT), Tukur Funtua, commended the school for providing both Islamic and Western education to its students for the betterment of society.
Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State, represented by his Deputy, Umar Kadafur, who was the Special Guest of Honour, expressed his gratitude for the significant role played by the Al-Ansar Foundation in Borno and Nigeria as a whole, particularly in the field of education.
The theme of the lecture, “Time/Space Factor and the Dynamics of Change: The Imperatives of Re-examining the Mission of Islamic/Muslim Schools in a World of Disruptive Technology,” was delivered by Ustaz Nurudeen Lemu, the Guest Lecturer.
Lemu stressed the importance of providing children with the right knowledge and a strong foundation to enable them to navigate the negative impact of disruptive technology.
He acknowledged that disruptive technology is an ongoing reality that cannot be eliminated but will continue to evolve.
Lemu recommended that children be given internships and that teachers undergo capacity building. He also emphasized the importance of quick recruitment, grooming, and if necessary, termination of staff members by the school’s leadership.
The Founder and President of Al-Ansar Foundation, Dr. Mohammed Dikwa, stated that the chosen theme of the lecture aims to ensure that children excel and remain disciplined in a technologically disruptive society.
Prof. Salisu Shehu, Chairman of the ACCE Governing Board, described the center as a school that fosters integrated teaching and learning in both Islamic and conventional education.
He assured the audience of the center’s commitment to in-house capacity building and training for teachers in the school, as well as those in similar schools. Additionally, he expressed the center’s desire to be an educational resource center beneficial to all in society.
