THE MUSLIM STUDENTS’ SOCIETY OF NIGERIA (MSSN): NURTURING LEADERSHIP, ADVOCATING RIGHTS, AND SHAPING FUTURES:
By: Olayiwola AbdulWasiu
Applied Physics, Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology Okitipupa (OAUSTECH): PRO I and Chairman, Ar-Royyah Magazine Team, MSSN OAUSTECH
THE MUSLIM STUDENTS’ SOCIETY OF NIGERIA; Established on April 18, 1954, the Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria (MSSN) stands as a testament to the resilience and determination of Muslim youth in Nigeria. From its humble beginnings at the Ansaruddeen Alakoro Mosque School Hall in Lagos, MSSN has evolved into a formidable force for advocacy, empowerment, and social change.
History and Founding:
The roots of MSSN trace back to the efforts of Tajudeen Adisa Aromoshodu, Sumola Akin Luguda, and Abdurrahman Alade Sahid, students at the Methodist Boys High School, Lagos. Faced with the challenges of colonial education intertwined with Christian evangelism, these visionary individuals saw the need to protect the religious fundamentals, culture, and identity of Muslim students. Thus, MSSN was born out of a desire to provide a platform for organized Da’awa activities and religious fulfillment.
Expansion and Growth
During the colonial era, Muslim students encountered numerous obstacles to their faith and cultural identity in Christian missionary schools. The prevalence of forceful evangelization and alluring Christian activities posed a threat to the Muslim community, prompting the formation of MSSN as a bastion of resistance and solidarity. The society quickly gained traction, with branches spreading to various schools across Lagos, Abeokuta, Ibadan, Ilesha, IjebuOde, and Ikorodu within its first year.
In 1955, at its inaugural conference, MSSN solidified its presence with the election of Abdullateef Adegbite and A.R.A Sahid as the first National President and Secretary-General respectively. Dignitaries such as Oba Adeniji Adele II of Lagos graced the occasion, underscoring the significance of MSSN's mission in the national landscape.
Achievements and Contributions
The contributions of MSSN to national development are manifold. Beyond serving as a platform for religious fulfillment, MSSN has emerged as a potent tool for national unity and cohesion. With a membership that transcends geographical and ethnic boundaries, MSSN promotes integration and fosters brotherhood through its programs and activities. The society has nurtured generations of leaders who have gone on to make significant contributions across various sectors, shaping national ethos and advocating for Muslim interests.
One of the enduring legacies of MSSN is its role in instilling confidence in Muslim students to openly embrace their identities. Examples abound of MSSN's advocacy efforts yielding tangible results. Take, for instance, the case of FUNAAB in 2023, where the school management attempted to bar a Muslim student from entering the premises wearing her Qimar. Thanks to the intervention of MSSN, the issue was addressed, highlighting the society's commitment to defending the rights of Muslim students.
Similarly, at OAUSTECH, MSSN played a pivotal role in advocating for the amendment of the exam timetable to accommodate Jumaat prayer time. Prior to MSSN's intervention, Muslim students faced the dilemma of choosing between attending prayers and attending exams or classes. Today, thanks to MSSN's efforts, Muslim students can observe their religious obligations without fear of academic repercussions.
Impact and Influence:
Moreover, MSSN serves as a training ground for youth, nurturing leadership skills and fostering personal development. Take the case of former Amir Brother Toyeeb Muritadoh, who maintained academic excellence while serving in leadership roles within MSSN OAUSTECH and MSSN Odigbo Area Council respectively. His example dispels the misconception that participation in MSSN hinders academic pursuits, demonstrating that it is possible to excel both academically and socially.
MSSN's impact extends beyond academic excellence. Through its programs and activities, MSSN imparts competencies to its members in areas such as planning, events organizing, public speaking, writing, and leadership. Many successful old members attribute part of their success to the skills MSSN gave them early in their lives.
At some point in the past, being identified with MSSN on campus implied compelling morality and regimental life. Any student associated with MSSN knew they were visible and expected to be upright, both by their peers and by the MSSN branch, fostering a culture of responsibility and accountability.
MSSN's commitment to keeping to the middle ground (wasatiyya) and avoiding identification with any sect throughout its long history has made it a welcoming space for all manner of students. It has successfully brought back on track students who tended towards extremism at some point in their lives, firmly establishing itself as a common student organization.
As a dynamic student association that organizes its own programs, MSSN has served as an enviable watchdog, helping sanitize the school environment and advocating for the pursuit of virtue, especially on campuses. It promotes a culture of morality and responsibility among students, contributing to the overall well-being of the student body.
MSSN has remained a safe haven for Muslim students, providing a nurturing environment where they can develop their Islamic identity and shielded from negative influences on campus. Its outlook and training prepare members to embrace all, making its graduates universally preferred as leaders and umpires by community associations and Islamic organizations across the country and beyond.
Moreover, MSSN's proactive approach, by continually reaching out to all manner of Muslim students, has not only shielded and saved countless lives from ruin but also persuaded countless others who had gone astray to return to religious practice.
The recent landmark ruling by the Supreme Court of Nigeria further underscores the impact of MSSN's advocacy efforts. In an appeal – Lagos State Govt. and Ors V. Asiyat AbdulKareem – the court granted the use of hijab by female Muslim students in Lagos State Government-owned schools. The court's decision, which upheld the earlier judgment of the Court of Appeal, affirmed that the ban on hijab was discriminatory against Muslim students in the state. This ruling stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of MSSN and its commitment to defending the rights and dignity of Muslim youth across the nation.
Again, to the critics of MSSN; Another battle fought by MSSN Ekiti Area Unit, when the Provost of Federal Polytechnic, Ado-Ekiti ban the use of Khimar for Muslimah on campus and make an attempt to deny them entrance to the Exam hall. Alhamduillah, with the effort of MSSN FPA, Ekiti Area Unit and dedicated Muslim Lawyers in the state, all crowned by Allah’s mercy, the battle was won within two days. Alhamdulillah.
MSSN has also served as a source of wide exposure and experience for its members through holding its activities in different parts of Nigeria. For example, as recounted by His Excellency Mallam Ibrahim Shekarau, Sardauna Kano, at the 60th Anniversary of MSSN, MSSN provided opportunities for young students to travel across Nigeria, fostering unity and patriotism. Such experiences have shaped MSSN members into more informed and patriotic citizens, contributing to the nation's development.
My advice to new students: Never take any of MSSN program in your institution for joke, participate in their program, event or seminar. You will never regret. Never see MSSN as a distraction to your academic pursuits.
As-salam alaikum warahmotullah wabarakatuh
AbdulWasiu
