An Ibadan-based Islamic cleric, Mallam Ali Abdulssalam, has called on governments at all levels to give formal recognition and support to schools of Quranic and Islamic Studies.
He noted that this is necessary in order to reduce crime and promote societal values across the country.
Alli who doubles as the Director of Ali Institute for Quran Memorisation (AlQM), Ibadan, made these declarations during the 4th graduation ceremony of the institute held at International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan on Sunday.
Abdulssalam while speaking, said that the recognition would help to ensure that youths are be fed with required spiritual diet and thereby reducing crime and promoting uprightness in the society.
He also called on the government to, as a matter of urgency, consider including Quran and Arabic studies in the curriculum of all primary and secondary schools in the country.
He said, “This will go a long way in inculcating the pristine teachings of Islam in the kids at young age and making them useful citizens as they grow up.
“Government should provide employment for graduates of Arabic and Quranic schools, as this will go a long way in sanitising the society. The more God-conscious youths get employed the more criminality is reduced in the society”.
Abdulssalam noted that over 2,000 students had attended the institute since inception in 2016 for either part-time, full-time, short- or long-term programmes.
He said that memorisation of the Quran would never limit or hinder the progress of a child, but improved it, adding that giving only western education, without sound Quranic knowledge, was like a beautiful vehicle with faulty engine.
The director further called on parents and guardians to avail their children opportunity of learning and memorising the Quran for them to be spiritually grounded to navigate the journey of life.
In their remarks, the Spiritual father of the occasion, Sheikh Dawud Ajide, Director and Founder, Madrasatu Nahdatuh Islamiyyah, Ikotun, Lagos State and Sheikh Abbas Zakariyya, said that it was imperative for Muslims to have Quranic knowledge and utilise it well.
Also speaking, the Asiwaju Adinni Musulumi of Ibadan, Alhaji Hassan Giwa, called on the graduands not to relent in constantly studying the Quran for them not to forget what they were taught.
On his part, the Chief Medical Director, Federal Medical Centre, Keffi, Nasarawa State, commended the institute for the progress made since inception and significantly impacting on character of the graduands, while reducing moral decadence in the society.
One of the graduating students, Fadhullah Adeagbo, appreciated the institute and parents for impacting them with Islamic knowledge.
ENDS