In the spirit of unity and national development, the International Islamic University (IIUM) of Malaysia Alumni Association Nigeria Chapter recently held its 5th Annual Conference and Annual General Meeting (AGM). Founded in 2017, the association, boasting about 750 members, primarily composed of PhD and Master’s holders, convened to address pressing issues under the theme, “Nigeria’s Economic Conditions: Realities and Remedies.”

In a statement signed by the chairman Local organizing committee Dr Aliyu Dahiru Muhammad said The conference, which took place Via Zoom featured distinguished speakers, including Senator Mal. Ibrahim Shekarau, represented by Dr. Muhammad Sagagi, and His Highness Dr. Shehu Chindo Yamusa, the Emir of Keffi, Nassarawa State. The President of the Association, Prof. Bashiru Adeniyi Omipidan, and lead paper presenters, Shaykh Prof. Abdul Razzaq Abdul-Majeed Alaro and Prof. Ganiyat A. Adesina-Uthman, contributed to the discussions.

According to Dr Aliyu the conference noted several challenges affecting Nigeria’s socio-economic landscape, with security concerns at the forefront. The recent tragic bombing in Kaduna raised questions about the capacity and willingness of security personnel to address national security challenges. Youth unemployment, inflation reaching 26 percent in November 2023, poor infrastructure, and inconsistent government policies were among the key issues highlighted.

Aliyu said the conference proposed recommendations aimed at steering the nation toward economic stability and prosperity. Urging the government to prioritize security, provide humanitarian aid to victims of the Kaduna bombing, and implement effective job creation policies to tackle youth unemployment were key focal points. The empowerment of women and youth, investment in human capital development, and measures to curb inflation were also highlighted.

Dr Aliyu and the organising secretary Dr Maryam Abimbola Mikail said the conference emphasized an Islamic perspective on higher education, considering it an investment rather than a right or service. The call for the integration of Zakat, an Islamic form of almsgiving, into poverty reduction schemes was particularly stressed. The role of well-to-do individuals in providing social and economic assistance to the poor was highlighted, drawing parallels with the successful implementation of Sukuk for road construction in Nigeria.

They said the Association expressed gratitude to participants, speakers, and partners for contributing to the success of the conference. The signed communiqué, issued at the end of the event, calls for concerted efforts in addressing economic challenges and integrating Islamic principles for sustainable development.