Innovation with Faith: Inside AMETTSA’s Historic 5-Day Convention at OAU

Bismillahir-Rahmaanir-Raheem

Indeed, all praise is due to Allah, who taught man what he knew not and honored him with knowledge and understanding. May the peace and blessings of Allah be upon our noble Prophet Muhammad (صلى الله عليه وسلم), his family, and his companions, and the entire Muslim Ummah till the day of judgement.

Allah says in the Noble Qur’an: “And say: My Lord, increase me in knowledge” [20:114]. In our pursuit of both worldly knowledge and religious understanding, we find ourselves at the intersection of faith and innovation. It is at this crucial junction that AMETTSA (Association of Muslim Engineers, Technologists and Technicians – Student Affiliate) strives to nurture the next generation of Muslim technical professionals who will lead with both expertise and taqwa.

The gathering of young Muslim minds in the field of technology and engineering is not merely a conference, but rather a manifestation of their commitment to excellence in both dunya and aakhirah. As I present this account of the AMETTSA Convention 3.0, I pray that Allah accepts our efforts and makes this documentation beneficial for future generations.

Context & Introduction

The AMETTSA Annual Convention stands as a remarkable gathering of Muslim Engineering, Technology, and Technical students from across Nigerian higher institutions. Like a beacon of innovation and faith, it brings together bright minds from universities and polytechnics, creating a unique platform where technological advancement meets Islamic principles.

Building upon the success of two previously-held, outstanding conventions at the University of Ibadan, this third convention came wearing a more glorious radiance. The second convention, in particular, left an indelible mark on the attendees’ minds. It wasn’t just the comprehensive programs that made it memorable – from technical workshops to spiritual sessions – but the exceptional organization and welfare arrangements that set a new standard for Muslim student gatherings in Nigeria.

That successful event created ripples of anticipation throughout the Muslim student community. Social media buzzed with excitement as past attendees shared their experiences, and institutional representatives spread the word about the upcoming AMETTSA Convention 3.0.

As the dates for Convention 3.0 approached, expectations soared. The choice of the prestigious Obafemi Awolowo University as the host campus added another layer of anticipation. Students eagerly followed updates about the planned programs, from the hackathon that would showcase their technical skills to the spiritual sessions that would nurture their faith. The convention promised to be a perfect blend of professional development, spiritual enlightenment, and meaningful connections.

The organizing committee, learning from previous experiences and building upon them, worked tirelessly to ensure this edition would not just meet but exceed the high standards set by its predecessors. They carefully crafted a program that would balance technical workshops, spiritual development, and networking opportunities – all while maintaining the Islamic atmosphere that makes AMETTSA conventions unique.

Prep.

Days before the event, the National President, Abdullah Abdulsalam, arrived at the prestigious Obafemi Awolowo University campus. Working tirelessly with his team, he planned meticulously to ensure the convention’s success. The National Ameerah joined a day before the convention started. Some enthusiastic sisters from Abiola Ajimobi First Technical University were among the first to arrive, eagerly anticipating what lay ahead.

Thursday – 1st Day – Welcoming

The morning air buzzed with energy as activities kicked off. The venue gleamed, freshly cleaned by some OAU brothers, ready to host distinguished guests for AMETTSA’s 3rd Annual Convention – the largest gathering of Muslim Tech Students in Nigeria. A dedicated committee made final preparations, ensuring every detail was perfect.

By noon, the first delegate arrived from the Federal University of Technology, Minna. Later in the evening, honored delegates from universities across Nigeria streamed in after their journeys. Alhamdulillah. With over 80 delegates present at that time, registration proceeded smoothly, and attendees were directed to their accommodations.

After Maghrib prayer, the Da’wah Team from the Faculty of Technology Muslim Students’ Association at OAU delivered a warm welcome. Their captivating Qasida in Bahr (فاعلاتن فاعلاتن فاعلاتن فاعلاتن) filled the hall, creating a harmonious atmosphere that united hearts. Delegates then moved to the grand Central Mosque of Unity for memory verse studies from Surah Ya-Sin. A short networking session followed Isha prayer, leading to dinner and lights out.

Friday – 2nd Day

Allahu Akbaru-l-Laahu Akbar! Dawn broke with the melodious Adhan. Quiet footsteps filled the air as delegates prepared for Fajr prayer. The Imam’s beautiful recitation was followed by memory verse revision, after the solah, setting a spiritual tone for the day.

After freshening up and breakfast, delegates gathered for the convention’s first workshop: “Innovation for Humanity: Engineering Global Peace.” Former AMETTSA President, Brother Salam, delivered an engaging presentation, enriched by contributions from the host university’s Naibul Ameers.

The blessed hour of Jumu’ah brought everyone together at the mosque. The Imam’s khutbah touched hearts as delegates joined the local Muslim community in prayer. By this time, the convention had grown to over 100 delegates. After prayer, everyone enjoyed lunch together before taking a short rest.

The evening featured the first mentorship session, “Quest for Clarity,” where an honored lecturer guided delegates in aligning their personal and professional goals with Islamic principles. Questions flowed freely, and the lecturer addressed each with wisdom and insight.

After Maghrib prayer, delegates networked during a free session. The day culminated in an intense quiz competition following Isha. Traditional powerhouses UI and OAU were surprisingly upstaged by FUTMinna, Unilag, and Unilorin in a display of knowledge that kept everyone on the edge of their seats. Dinner was served during the competition before the final lights out.

Saturday – 3rd Day

The call to Fajr prayer marked another promising day. The Post-Fajr Talk inspired delegates with reflections on our purpose of creation, followed by Tahfidh sessions where participants refined their memorization of Surah Ya-Sin.

Morning exercises energized the delegates before they cleaned up for breakfast. The day officially began with the Formal Opening Ceremony themed “Innovate with Faith: Leveraging Technological Advancements to Design a Brighter Future.” The guest speaker delivered an enlightening and interactive lecture that had delegates taking notes eagerly, gathering what can be called “spices to cook with at home.”

The Hackathon stood as the day’s highlight, showcasing participants’ technical prowess in solving real-world problems. Like lions ready for the hunt, teams faced the panelists, presenting projects they had spent countless hours perfecting. Team Jarvis from LAUTECH claimed first place, followed by Team Meem from FUTA and Team Sterling from Tech U.

The Essay Competition winners, from a contest held before the convention, were announced: Adewoye Saheed Damilola  from Ahmadu Bello University took the First Position, followed by Yusuf Maryam Akorede from Federal University of Technology, Akure and then, Lawal Yusuf Adebonola from First Technical University.

After Dhuhr prayer and lunch, delegates rested before the eagerly anticipated second mentorship session. The atmosphere was set in a reflective mood as some delegates recited melodious portions of the Qur’an while awaiting the lecturer’s arrival. Sheikh Abu Ja’afar then delivered an eye-opening lecture on “Islamic Marriage: Guidelines on Spouse Selection, Nadhor, Khitbah, and ‘Aqd.” The session addressed numerous questions about marital relationships in Islam, with delegates eagerly seeking guidance on this important aspect of life, until the call for Maghrib prayer brought the session to a close.

The evening culminated in a Qur’an Competition after Isha, where representatives from each university showcased their melodious recitations. The calm yet tense atmosphere held everyone spellbound as beautiful voices filled the air. Dinner was served during the competition before the day concluded with lights out.

Sunday – 4th Day

Following the usual Fajr prayer and morning routines, delegates gathered for an enlightening Tafseer session on verses 41-49 of Surah Ya-Sin. The lecturer beautifully connected the verses’ messages about divine power and natural phenomena to modern technological advancement. He explained how these verses remind us of Allah’s mercy in granting humanity the ability to travel and benefit from His creations, yet many remain ungrateful.

Dr. OLUSOLA Sayeed Ayoola, founder of Robotics and Artificial Intelligence in Nigeria (RAIN), led the second workshop on Engineering Entrepreneurship. He packed the session with practical advice and strategies for succeeding in tech while maintaining Islamic values.

The afternoon split into parallel activities: brothers engaged in spirited football matches while sisters participated in their exclusive Sisters’ Circle.

The day’s highlight came with a campus tour of the great Obafemi Awolowo University, where delegates marveled at the university’s architectural beauty and natural landscapes. The tour began at the iconic Department of Architecture, with its distinctive design drawing admiration from visitors. As delegates climbed the mountaineering point, the breathtaking view of the campus stretched before them, showcasing the harmonious blend of modern structures and natural terrain. Brothers from Osun State University enhanced the experience with their moving Qasida with the bahr (فاعلاتن فاعلاتن فاعلاتن فاعلاتن), their voices echoing across the campus grounds. The group then wound their way through the Academic area, where the delegates admired the impressive faculty buildings and learning spaces. The journey continued to the iconic Spider Building, whose unique structure sparked discussions about architectural innovation. The tour concluded with a return to the majestic Central Mosque, its serene presence serving as a perfect endpoint to the exploration of one of Africa’s most beautiful university campuses.

After Maghrib, delegates watched a thought-provoking movie about life after death. The evening concluded with Isha prayer, an engaging Kahoot session, and the General Meeting and Transition Ceremony, where new leaders took up the mantle of responsibility. Dinner and lights out followed as usual.

Monday – 5th Day – Farewell Day

The final day began with the familiar rhythm of Fajr prayer, Post-Fajr Talk, and Tahfidh sessions. Delegates gathered for a final revision of memory verses before joining in the general cleaning of the venue. After breakfast, participants exchanged contact information and heartfelt goodbyes, each carrying home renewed inspiration and strengthened faith.

The 3rd AMETTSA Annual Convention successfully merged Islamic principles with technological innovation, creating lasting bonds among Muslim tech students across Nigeria. The knowledge gained, friendships formed, and spiritual growth experienced over these five days would continue to influence delegates’ journeys long after their departure. Alhamdulillah for this remarkable achievement.

By Abdulmalik Yakub,
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