ACTING president of the National Association of Proprietors of Arabic and Islamic Schools (NAPAIS), Sheikh Muhammadu-Jamiu Abdulgafar, has stressed that synergy between the association and other Islamic organisations is essential for the promotion of Islam.
Sheikh Abdulgafar made the remark during the second General Assembly of NAPAIS South West zone with three delegates from each state held at Imam Maaliki College, Jegede, Ibadan, Oyo State.
He pointed out that the existing collaboration of the association with similar Islamic associations was instrumental in achieving the NAPAIS aims and objectives.
In a communique issued after the conference with the theme Why We Must Act Now, the NAPAIS acting president explained that the Muslim Ummah of South West Nigeria (MUSWEN), the National Board for Arabic and Islamic Studies (NBAIS), the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) and others are partners in the task of Islamic propagation.
He underscored the need for unity among the proprietors of Arabic and Islamic schools to have a common front on claims for their rights and benefits from government education intervention programmes.
“NAPAIS is proactive in cementing unity of purpose with Islamic organisations with similar goals for us to achieve the vision and mission of our association,” Sheikh Abdulgafar told the conference.
The Chief Imam of Ibadanland, Sheikh AbdulGaniy Abubakari Agbotomokekere, represented by Sheikh Hasan Onisinniyan, expressed joy for the purposeful coming together of proprietors of Arabic and Islamic Sshools in the South West
He prayed for Allah’s guidance for the association to achieve its aims and objectives.
The chairman of the NAPAIS General Assembly and the Executive Secretary, MUSWEN, Professor Muslih Yahya, commended the foresight and efforts of the association with a promise to support the association, which he described as a veritable organisation for the development of Islam in the South West and Nigeria.
The South West coordinator of NBAIS, Dr Abdullah Abdur-Razaq, represented by Mr Banji of the quality assurance department of the board, encouraged the proprietors to upgrade their schools with the provision of necessary teaching materials and create an environment that is conducive to learning.
Dr Abdur-Razaq confirmed to the assembly that NBAIS result has been recognised for admission of students into higher institutions across the country.
The chairman of the Oyo State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Dr Nureni Adeniran, noted that the Federal Government has supported the proprietors of Arabic and Islamic schools with Integrated Qur’anic Tsangaya Education (IQTE) programme through UBEC/SUBEB, with the provision of classrooms, furniture and teaching materials.
Dr Adeniran urged the association to complement governments efforts towards improved standard of Arabic and Islamic education.
The principal of Imam Maaliki College, Jegede, Ibadan, Dr Yunus Kharasi, maintained that the association deserved accolades for providing a solid foundation of unity for the proprietors of Arabic and Islamic schools in the South West.
Acting General Secretary of the association, Sheikh Salaudeen Muftau, announced that the third General Assembly of NAPAIS would be hosted by Ekiti State in May 2025.
Muftau appreciated the Association of Arabic and Islamic Schools, AAIS, Oyo State, for the successful hosting of a memorable conference.
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