The Association of Model Islamic Schools (AMIS), Ido Local Government Chapter, successfully hosted a Teachers’ Seminar on Thursday, 20th February 2025, at Queens School, Apata, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria. Themed “Teachers: Veritable Tools for a Productive Ummah,” the seminar brought together educators from various Islamic schools to enhance their capacity for fostering academic excellence and moral uprightness among students.
The seminar featured two insightful lectures. The first lecture, titled “Teachers: Veritable Tools for a Productive Ummah,” was delivered by Imam Hassan Muhammad-ul-Awwal. He emphasized the pivotal role teachers play in societal development and the importance of instilling moral values in learners. Key takeaways from his lecture included:
Teachers serve as the backbone of any thriving society.
They must possess the ability to encourage righteousness, forbid vices, and instill the fear of Allah in students.
Teachers hold a prestigious status in Islam, as highlighted in Quranic verses and Prophetic traditions emphasizing the importance of knowledge.
The teaching profession extends beyond academics to include the transfer of wisdom and life values.
Educators should be exemplary role models, promoting discipline and high moral standards.
The second lecture, “Developing a Model for a Futuristic Ummah,” was presented by Abu Sumayyah Murtadha Aalim. His session focused on progressive steps towards nurturing students with strong Islamic morals and academic excellence. Key insights included:
Growth is achieved through small, consistent steps.
Intentionality is crucial for personal and institutional progress.
Schools must uphold their founding principles and maintain their core values.
Institutions should aim to produce graduates deeply rooted in Islamic teachings and high academic standards.
Islamic tenets and norms should be integral in the development of students.
Schools must leverage every possible tool to enhance educational standards.
Al-Qalam Schools’ Participation and Remarks:
Al-Qalam Schools Ibadan was well represented at the seminar by Mrs. Baliqis Nurudeen, Mr. Hassan Sulaimon, Mallam Abdulafatah Nasirdeen, and Miss Barakat Oladele.
Alhaji Ishaq Ajibola Otun, the Director of Finance and Human Resources at Al-Qalam Schools Ibadan, commended AMIS Ido Chapter for organizing a well-structured training programme. He emphasized that such capacity-building initiatives would significantly enhance teachers’ productivity and improve academic standards. As an HR expert, Alhaji Ishaq Otun Ajibola (MCIPM, MCIPD UK) highlighted the necessity of continuous professional development for educators, stating, “Employee capacity development is an inevitable measure for organizational growth.”
Furthermore, he urged AMIS Nigeria’s national leadership to explore the capacity development programmes offered by the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management of Nigeria (CIPM). He suggested that AMIS could consider corporate membership in a reputable professional institute like CIPM to keep upscaling the knowledge and skills of Muslim school leaders and educators across Nigeria. This, he noted, would serve as an added valuable contribution to the nation’s educational sector.
Alhaji Otun concluded by expressing satisfaction with the benefits gained by Al-Qalam teachers from the seminar. He reiterated Al-Qalam Schools’ commitment to continuously investing in employee learning and development to enhance productivity and professionalism. He further encouraged other Muslim schools to actively participate in similar training opportunities to improve teaching methodologies and overall school performance, ultimately advancing the nation’s educational sector.
