By Labibah Raji
With the newly licensed Minaret University, Ikirun, set to commence full operations, the Amir (National President) of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at of Nigeria (AMJN), Alhaji (Barr.) Alatoye Folorunso Azeez, has mobilized the community’s intellectual elite to form a unified strategic body capable of driving the institution’s growth.
In a strategic engagement held at the Rabwah Multipurpose Hall, Jalsa ground, Ilaro, on Saturday, December 20, 2025, the Amir met with dozens of professors, lecturers, and academic technocrats to formally propose the creation of a coordinated academic forum. He explained that just as the Jama’at has successfully established the Ahmadiyya Muslim Lawyers Association (AMLAN) and Ahmadi Business Group of Nigeria, the time has come for a similar think-tank for the community’s academics to seek formal approval from His Holiness, the Head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community.
Setting the agenda for the proposed body, Barrister Alatoye stated that their first major assignment would be the creation of a comprehensive database of Ahmadi academics. This database, he noted, is crucial to mobilize support for Minaret University, ensuring high quality standards while managing operational costs through volunteerism and selfless service.
The Amir used the occasion to express deep appreciation to Professor Fashola for his foresight in initiating the university project. He disclosed that the institution, which occupies 500 acres of land, received its operational licence on April 30, 2025, and was officially listed on the JAMB platform on November 4, 2025, marking a historic milestone for the Jama’at.
Providing a progress report, the Vice Chancellor of Minaret University, Prof. Abdur Rahmon Abdullah, confirmed that admissions are currently ongoing. He outlined the university’s initial academic structure, which comprises two faculties—Science and Computing, and Management and Social Sciences—offering nine programmes across three departments.
The Vice Chancellor emphasized that while the university is built on moral training and faith-based values, it remains committed to an inclusive policy that welcomes students of all faiths. He urged the assembled academics to offer their expertise and selfless service to the nascent institution, noting that while key administrative officers are Ahmadi Muslims, international academic staff have also been recruited to ensure global standards.
During the interactive session, discussions touched on critical needs such as electricity, resources, and student welfare. To facilitate the volunteer work of visiting lecturers, the Amir announced the provision of a dedicated guest house in Ikirun. Questions regarding religious philosophy were also addressed, with the Vice Chancellor reiterating that the university has clear regulations that respect the religious practices of all students.
The meeting was anchored by the National Ta’leem (Education) Secretary, AMJN, Engr. Tajudeen Oladoja, who acknowledged the vast competence in the room. Dignitaries in attendance included the Naibeen Amir, Dr. Latif Busari and Alhaji Lateef Folorunsho, alongside the Rector of Ilaro Polytechnic, Dr. Aremu Akinde, and several senior professors who expressed their readiness to advance the vision of Ahmadiyya education in Nigeria.
