On Tuesday, April 29, 2025, the University of Lagos Muslim Community (UMC) in collaboration with NUSRET Educational and Cultural Co. Ltd and Hira Magazine held an educational symposium themed: Contemporary Approach to Crisis Management: Solutions from the Life of Prophet Muhammad (SAW).
Held at the Islamic Centre Hall of UNILAG Mosque, the symposium featured three inspiring presentations with practical strategies and solutions to pressing issues affecting Nigeria such as rising inflation, unemployment, interfaith tensions, and social inequities.
Delivering his presentation on Islamic Approach to Resolving Economic Crisis, Professor Hakeem Olaniyan, a renowned scholar of Jurisprudence and International Law at UNILAG and Chairman of the UMC, emphasized the importance of ethical trade, equitable resource distribution and coordinated approach to charity as antidotes to Nigeria’s economic woes.
Professor Olaniyan urged Nigerians to integrate these principles into governance and daily life to build a just and prosperous society. His words, “By fostering transparency, curbing corruption, and prioritizing community welfare, we can stabilize our economy and alleviate poverty.”
The presentation by Dr. Maryam Gbajumo-Sheriff of UNILAG’s Department of Employment Relations and Human Resources Management, focused on Social Crisis Management: Quranic Paradigm for Promoting Interfaith Dialogue and Peaceful Co-Existence.
Against the backdrop of Nigeria’s religious and ethnic divides, she highlighted the diplomacy of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) in Medina where he fostered unity through mutual respect. Dr. Gbajumo-Sheriff also implored Nigerians to embrace dialogue and compassion to heal communal rifts and promote interfaith harmony.
Serving Humanity in Nigeria: The Hizmet Model was the focus of the paper delivered by Ustadh Alhmad El Labeeb, Director of Haadhlal-Bayt Islamic Foundation.
Addressing Nigeria’s uneven access to education and healthcare, the UNILAG Alumnus advocated for grassroots initiatives to empower marginalized communities, echoing the Prophet’s commitment to humanity.
In his remarks at the event, the Chief Imam of UMC, Professor Ismail Musa underscored the need for community-driven progress. He urged Nigerians to embrace honesty in business, fight corruption with transparency, and prioritize the welfare of others.
The symposium culminated in an engaging question-and-answer session, igniting hope among attendees: students, scholars, and community leaders.
Report: Bayo Salau
Photographs: Islamiat Akanni
