The Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria (MSSN OAU) has once again showcased its impeccable capacity with the kicked-off of Muslimah Summit 3.0 at the Central Mosque of Unity, OAU on 17th of January, 2024. The highly anticipated event brought together students from different institutions, and they savour the weekend of unity, enriching lectures, development, and enjoyment.
As delegates made their way to the Central Mosque of Unity, their faces were painted with smiles and a sense of fulfilment, and the ambiance morphed into a canvas created from several colours. The programme commenced immediately after Jummah prayer, with a long queue formed at the registration desk.
What’s more? The Trade Fair, a highlight of the first day of the summit, provided a unique opportunity for participants to engage in commerce while exploring the beauty of Islam. Additionally, medical practitioners were on hand to check the well-being of the delegates, adding a thoughtful touch.
Moving on to the theme of the summit, “UNITY IN DIVERSITY: MANY COLOURS, ONE CANVAS,” we were eager to dive deeper. Last year’s theme, “Rising Phoenix,” left a lasting impression, and we couldn’t wait to hear the inspiration behind this year’s theme. We had the privilege of sitting down with the Chairperson of Muslimah Summit 3.0, Sis. Toyyibah Badmus, to get the inside scoop.
An-Nuur Press: As-salāmu’alaykum Waraḥmatullāh Wabarakātuh. Can we meet you, esteemed sister?
Sister Toyyibah: Wa’alaykumusalām warahmatullāh wabarakātuh. I’m Toyyibah Badmus, the Chairperson of Muslimah Summit 3.0, the third edition of this annual event organised by MSSN OAU. I’m a 500-level student in the Department of Electronics and Electrical Engineering.
An-Nuur Press: You are welcome, ma. Can you share with us what inspired the theme “Unity in Diversity: Many Colours, One Canvas” for this year’s Muslimah Summit?
Sister Toyyibah: The main reason we chose the topic is that we recognised a pressing need to bridge the gaps between Muslim sisters. Often, our diverse backgrounds, ways of dressing, beliefs, and other differences lead to misconceptions and divisions. We aim to fill this gap by reminding everyone that, above all, we are united as Muslimahs. Regardless of our individual levels of spiritual growth, we want to embody the ideal Muslimah persona: one who understands, supports, and empathises with her fellow sisters, and is always willing to lend a helping hand.
An-Nuur Press: Would you give us a sneak peek into other exciting programmes on the list, ma?
Sister Toyyibah: Our exciting programme lineup includes:
- Self-Defence Training: Empowering us to stay active and defend ourselves.
- Opening Ceremony: Featuring our theme and keynote speech.
- Career Development Panel: Insights from three renowned professionals on their career journeys and success stories.
- Inter-School Qur’ān Competition: A thrilling Qur’an recitation duel amongst participating schools and the host institution.
- Dinner Night: The most anticipated dinner of the year wrapped Saturday’s events.
- Relationship Talk: A thought-provoking discussion held on Sunday, also the last programme of the summit.
An-Nuur Press: The inclusion of medical check-ups is a new and innovative feature of this summit. What prompted the decision?
Sister Toyyibah: The inclusion of medical check-ups in this year’s summit is crucial because, as young individuals, we often neglect our health, assuming we’re invincible. However, this neglect can have dire consequences. Also, there was health talk programme too which focused on critical issues like infertility, breast cancer, and cervical cancer. Similarly, the medical check-up aims to empower delegates with knowledge about their health, enabling them to take proactive measures towards maintaining their overall well-being.
An-Nuur Press: Lastly, how do you envision the summit impacting the lives of the delegates?
Sister Toyyibah: We hope that delegates don’t leave the summit without being transformed in some way. To achieve this, we carefully designed the programmes around three pivotal aspects of our lives: Personal Development, Deen, and Career.
From the conversation with the chairperson, it can be inferred that the summit is more than just an event – it’s a reminder, a call to action, and a movement to forge a strong bond amongst the sisters. As Muslimah Summit 3.0 drew to a close on Sunday, 19th of February, 2025, let’s reflect on the transformative power of unity, sisterhood, and faith that has been on display. We eagerly anticipate the profound impact and positive changes that will emerge from the gathering.
Brought to you by: Aderibigbe Hikmah
