The Vice Chancellor of Summit University Offa in Kwara State, Professor Abiodun Musa Aibinu has called for integration of technology into the Islamic education curriculum.
Aibinu made this declaration while delivering the 32nd Ramadan lecture organised by the University of Ibadan Muslim Community on Saturday.
The event was attended by representative of Senator representing Oyo South Senatorial District, Barrister Sharafadeen Abiodun Alli, Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning in Oyo State, Professor Musibau Babatunde, former Executive Secretary of Muslim Ummah of South West Nigeria (MUSWEN), Professor Daud Noibi and the Chief Imam, University of Ibadan, Professor Abdulrahman Oloyede.
Aibinu, who is a professor of Mechatronics Engineering at the Federal University of Technology Minna, while speaking on the topic “Technological innovation and Islamic Values: A critical examination of AI and emerging technologies in Nigeria” advised Muslims to integrate emerging technologies into the Islamic education curriculum.
He said that this will help to prepare the students in order to confront the present day realities.
The don said that the integration will help to equip the students with the skills, knowledge, and ethical understanding needed to thrive in an increasingly digital world.
Aibinu while addressing the gathering charged educators and scholars to engage deep engagement with emerging technologies.
He called on them to work together with technology innovators to create educational programs that not only teach emerging technologies but also ensure that Islamic values are embedded in every lesson.
Aibinu while speaking further urged the youth to embrace the opportunities that emerging technologies offer, pursue their studies with enthusiasm, and help create a Muslim-led technological revolution that is firmly grounded in the timeless values of Islam.
He said, “First and foremost, it is clear that the time to act is now. The Fourth Industrial Revolution, driven by emerging technologies, is already in motion. Nigerian Muslims must be at the forefront of this revolution, not just as passive consumers but as leaders, innovators, and creators of these technologies. This is not merely about adopting technology for the sake of progress; it is about crafting technologies that reflect our values, our principles, and our understanding of what it means to live a life in accordance with Islam.
“We must bridge the gap between the rich intellectual and spiritual legacy of Islam and the technological advancements of the modern world. Our faith has always placed great emphasis on knowledge, innovation, and ethics. From the contributions of great Muslim scholars throughout history to the wisdom embedded in the Qur’an and Hadith, Islam provides a strong foundation for us to build a future where technology and faith can coexist harmoniously. Now, more than ever, we must ensure that the technologies of today and tomorrow are developed not only with technical expertise but also with the most robust ethical frameworks. So, what must we do to turn this vision into a reality? The answer lies in collaboration, education, and leadership.
“To the leaders of the Muslim community-this is your moment. You must guide us in embracing the future with open hearts and minds, rooted in our faith. Let us commit to integrating emerging technologies into the curricula of our madrasahs. This is not just about teaching coding or data science-it is about preparing our youth for the future, equipping them with the skills, knowledge, and ethical understanding needed to thrive in an increasingly digital world.
“It is also about ensuring that our faith remains central to everything we do. As we modernize and adapt, let us never lose sight of the timeless principles that have always guided us. To our educators and scholars, this is a call for deep engagement with emerging technologies. You have the expertise to lead the way in developing curriculums that combine technical proficiency with ethical responsibility.
“Work together with technology innovators to create educational programs that not only teach emerging technologies but also ensure that Islamic values are embedded in every lesson. It is not enough to be experts in technology; we must also become experts in navigating the ethical challenges that arise with its use.
“To our youth, you are the future of this movement. Do not let the fear of the unknown hold you back. Embrace the opportunities that emerging technologies offer, pursue your studies with enthusiasm, and help create a Muslim-led technological revolution that is firmly grounded in the timeless values of Islam. Know that you hold the power to shape the future, and your contributions will determine how these technologies impact the world for generations to come”.