This morning, the MSSN celebrates its 60th Anniversary – a Diamond Jubilee – at the National Centre for Women Development in Abuja with the theme “MSSN: Impact, Problems and Prospects”. Ten years ago at the Sani Abacha Indoor Stadium in Kano, when the Society celebrated its Golden Jubilee of 50 years, this writer, as a disciple of this great organisation, was privileged to be the Master of Ceremonies, MC. On that occasion, the First National President of the Society, the late Dr. AbdulLateef Adegbite, was alive, though not hale and hearty. But he did manage to come. The MC had the opportunity to line up this First National Amir and all the subsequent Amirs there present in the middle of the Sports Hall. And what a spectacle it was!
Today, alas! As we celebrate 60 years, Dr. Adegbite and many of his compatriots are no longer with us. But we are consoled by the fact that the formative and transformative influence of this Society they founded 60 years ago in Lagos will continue to reverberate forever in sha Allah. Back in 1954, these southern-based Muslim brothers, who were mostly in Christian mission schools, came up with the idea of setting up an organisation for Muslim students out of their desire to safeguard their religious fundamentals, culture and identity from the twin effects of forceful evangelisation and alluring Christian activities.
That is why, whenever in this country someone does something and claims it in the name of Islam, the first question we usually ask is: do we remember this person at the annual MSSN Islamic Vacation Course (IVC) organised every December? Was he with us those several years ago at Bida, at Jalingo, at Ilorin, or at Ede or Nsukka? And most times you are stumped; you do not remember either the face or the name, as the person was perhaps never a member of the MSSN, the biggest, most peaceful and yet pragmatic society of young Muslim students in Africa, if not the world, with a membership of many scores of millions spread across all the educational institutions.
On this auspicious occasion of the Society’s Diamond Jubilee, we here present the message of the current President of the Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria (MSSN), Brother Abdul’Azeez Sirajuddeen Folayemi:
“The MSSN has not only transformed, it has metamorphosed from being a society into an ideology which has influenced the cause of events in the most populous black nation on earth. It has grown in leaps and bounds to be the largest organisation (religious or otherwise) not only in Nigeria but in Africa, with millions as active members. According to our First National Amir, the late Dr. Adegbite, ‘the establishment of the MSSN was one of the greatest events in the Islamic history of Nigeria. The advent of the society arrested an ugly and dangerous situation, halting the stratagem of the then Christian missionaries bent on using their institutions to proselytise young Muslim students. Indeed, a sizeable number of prominent Nigerians especially from the South West who are now Christians were born Muslim. Alas!’
“The contributions of the MSSN to national development are enormous, principal of which is national unity and cohesion. Apart from its membership that cuts across all the geographical and ethnic barriers, the MSS promotes national integration and builds bridges through its programmes and activities that emphasise the brotherhood of Islam in particular, and mankind in general. Furthermore, the society has continued to produce generations of outstanding leaders in all spheres of national life, whilst defining and encouraging adherence to certain minimum standards of national ethos. The society remains a pressure group working for the advancement of the interests of Muslims and Islam.
“Another notable achievement of the society is the creation of confidence in the vast majority of Muslim students who now openly and proudly proclaim their identities as Muslims. It was also the first Muslim organisation in the country to spearhead the use of Hijab by educated female Muslims. The society has been able to consistently produce Muslim students who are a synthesis of scholarship and morality. In virtually all spheres of life in the country, the society has contributed valuable, reliable and progressive personalities, be it in governance, education, and other fields of endeavour.
“In a country rent by divisive ethnic sentiments, the society has built robust brotherhood that has remained unassailable by the virus of ethnic bigotry. The friendship generated by the society is real and deep. The Society has groomed a crop of leadership that is not just Spartan but renders altruistic and selfless service. The Society has always made valuable contributions in the areas of good governance, justice, and in fighting corruption, oppression and immorality. It has also responded to issues of national and international interest. The Society either nurtured or provided manpower for virtually all the Muslim organisations that exist in the country today.
“To our founding fathers, many of whom are long gone, we have gathered today to thank Allah for the MSSN you founded; we are celebrating your legacy; we have come together to showcase our Islam. We are happy because Allah saved our Islam and our identity through you – Baba Aromasodun, Baba Adegbite, Baba Laguda – how we wish you were here with us today to see the fruit of your good and sincere effort to save the future of Muslim children. We were told you were twelve in number when you conceived this idea which today is influencing millions. Our solace is that you will continue to get rewards for your good deeds till eternity.
“To the present generation of MSSN, secondary school students, undergraduates, post-graduates, we are celebrating your sagacity, we salute your courage and doggedness for keeping the flag flying, we applaud your sacrifice and selflessness in sustaining our common heritage. To our sisters who were brutalised and victimised for wearing the Hijab, you are indeed heroines and the hope of the Ummah of Muhammad, upon whom be peace.
“At 60, let us come out and celebrate this society that has done us a lot of good. Let us spread the good news that MSSN is worth celebrating, that the MSSN is the hope of the Muslim Ummah in Nigeria. In the last 60 years of its existence, its greatest achievement is in anyone who, after passing through the walls of formal education, still takes pride in Islam. To our leaders and fathers, the situation of the society today calls for sober reflection. At 60, the society is still battling government and educational policies that are discriminatory to religious profession and practice.
We thank Allah for the Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria.”
