Symposium in honour of Ustadh Muhammad Fethullah Gulen: A collaboration between Islamic studies unit, faculty of Arts, LASU and Nusret educational co ltd
On Tuesday, 28th of January 2025, the Arabic and Islamic Studies Units, Faculty of Arts, Lagos State University, in collaboration with NUSRET Educational and Cultural Co. Ltd successfully held a symposium in honour of a renowned Turkish cleric, Islamic scholar, and philanthropist, Late Ustadh Muhammad Fethullah Gulen (April 1938- October 2024).
The thought-provoking symposium themed Ustadh Muhammad Fethullah Gulen: Humanity, Ideology and service”, took place at Hallowed Chamber, Students’ Arcade, Lagos State University, main campus, Ojo and was well-attended by distinguished Islamic scholars from all walks of life, academia and students.
Delivering the welcome address, Prof. Kudus Amuni welcomed all invited guests and participants. He encouraged the students to participate actively in the constructive debate and pay close attention to the insightful lectures embedded in the symposium.
The Director, NUSRET Nigeria, Mr Huseyin Selvi, declared the symposium open and expressed his profound gratitude to everyone who contributed to the success of the programme. He painstakingly explained that the crux of the event was to honour the late Turkish Islamic Scholar, Fethullah Gulen, for his humanitarian and literary service, as well as other immense contributions to Islam & mankind. He urged everyone to emulate Fethullah Gulen in the work of Da’wah (Islamic Gospel), selfless humanitarian services and empathy towards all creatures of Allah.
The Vice-Chancellor, Lagos State University, Prof. Ibiyemi Ọlatunji-Bello, mni, NPOM, represented by the Dean, Faculty of Arts, Prof. Ayotunde Ayodele asserted that the gathering is a welcome development while emphasising the importance of three interconnected forces that must be addressed; ‘Ideology, humanity and service’. These forces, she noted, define our world and how we interact with it.
The Vice-Chancellor also stressed that understanding the link between these three issues is crucial to building bridges towards a better society, while providing an opportunity for reflection on these defining issues, both as individuals and as a society, therefore, all participants were advised to take maximum advantage of the opportunity.
The Chief Imam, LASU Community Mosque and keynote speaker of the event, Distinguished Prof. Amidu Olalekan Sanni delivered an informative address, highlighting three major problems affecting the world: poverty, ignorance, and lack of empowerment. He posited that these issues transcend religious boundaries, making them universal concerns.
According to Dist. Prof. Sanni, ‘humanity is a fundamental value that supercedes faith and social status’. He opined that anyone can contribute to the betterment of humanity, regardless of their background and religious beliefs.
He also cautioned that working towards positive change and fighting for humanity’s sake would not be an easy task. However, he encouraged the audience to strive for a better world, quoting that it is essential to be prepared to change the narrative and make a difference.
The first guest speaker, a senior lecturer from the University of Ilorin, Kwara State, Dr Abdulhameed B. Yusuf examined critically the biography, early life, and contributions of Late Ustadh Muhammad Fethullah Gulen to Turkey, Islam, and all facets of life.
The second guest speaker from LASU, a professor of International Relations and Strategies Studies, Prof Jamiu Oluwatoki, spoke extensively on Humanity & Service; The Role of Education in Promoting Universal value and chains.
He described Shaykh Muhammad Fethullah Gulen as a colossus of preacher, educator, teacher, philosopher, philanthropist, and mobiliser for good deeds. A great intellectual, whose patience and tact were legendary, with deep thought and courage, in the absence of violence.
Prof Oluwatoki concluded that to have a peaceful coexistence, dialogue will not be just on religion and general universal values, but also on political, economic, social, cultural, ethical and strategies that are contemporary to us, and in the Gulen spirit, will bridge the gulf between our minds.
The third guest speaker from UNILAG, Prof Musa Ismail, Chief Imam, UNILAG Central Mosque, represented by Dr. Bashir Abdulraheem threw more light on the discourse; “Embrace Religious Tolerance for a Peaceful Co-existence”.
The event featured an interactive session among participants moderated by Dr Saheed Timehin, and the video presentation of NEAR Foundation and their numerous philanthropical contributions in education, health, and social services amongst others were showcased.
The celebration of a global icon in Islamic world was brought to a close in Lagos State University, Ojo Campus, by a vote of thanks delivered by Alhaji Ya’qub Allagan, presentation of certificates to special guests and participants, and group photographs.
Distinguished personalities and Islamic academia in Lagos and Ilorin such as Mudeer, Modrasah Daru Dawah Wal-Irshad, Sheikh Ridwanullahi Sunusi, ably represented by Sheikh Maroof Sanusi, Mudeer, Modrasah Darul-Hikmah alongside others graced the occasion.
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