A total of 1,486 students graduated during the Joint Graduation Ceremony of all JIBWIS Islamiyah Schools in Funtua, marking a significant milestone in the advancement of Islamic education in the area.
Among the graduands, 138 male and female students were honoured for successfully memorizing the entire Holy Qur’an, a remarkable achievement celebrated by scholars and community members alike.
In his remarks at the event, Imam Muhammad Salisu Idris, Chairman of the JIBWIS Islamiyah Schools in Funtua, emphasized that the joint committee overseeing the schools was established in 2007 to harmonize the curriculum, uniforms, and academic calendar across all participating institutions. This effort, he noted, aims to foster unity and consistency in Islamic education within the local government area.
Delivering a goodwill message by his representative, Sheikh Abdullahi Bala Lau lauded the spirit of unity and collaboration demonstrated by the Funtua Islamiyah schools.
He described the Funtua JIBWIS model as a beacon of Islamic excellence and encouraged other branches to emulate this example. He further called on the Muslim Ummah to strengthen bonds of brotherhood and cooperation.
The event also featured a message from the Governor of Katsina State, delivered by Alhaji Gambo Abdullahi Rinka, Special Adviser on Izala Affairs. He reaffirmed the government’s support for Islamic education and highlighted several initiatives including the establishment of the Hisbah Board, as well as Zakkah and Waqf commissions, as part of efforts to promote moral and religious development across the state.
As part of the convocation, several distinguished individuals were presented with awards of excellence in recognition of their contributions to education and humanity.
Awardees included His Excellency, the Deputy Governor of Katsina State, Alhaji Faruk Lawal Jobe; Hon. Musa Adamu, Katsina State Commissioner for Health; Sheikh Abdullahi Bala Lau, National Chairman of JIBWIS; Ambassador Abdullahi Aminchi; Sheikh Sa’id Musa; Hon. Rabiu Dos Funtua; Hon. Lawal Usman Funtua; A.A. Albasu; and Akilu Hassan Babay (NAK), among others.
The ceremony was graced by prominent religious leaders, education administrators, and dignitaries from within and beyond Funtua.
Notable attendees included Gwani Abubakar Sa’id, Chief Imam of Funtua Central Mosque; Imam Muhammad Aliyu Bako, Chief Imam of Jabiri; Gwani Mustapha Zubairu of Alwassiyya; Gwani Muktar Ahmad; and Malams Abdullahi Abubakar and Ibrahim Suleiman of Sabilul Hidayah, Dr. Sheikh Nasir Abdurrahman of JIBWIS Katsina State, Dr. Mustapha Almisiri of BUK and Mal.Muhamad Auwal Magaji retired I.O Funtua.
Also in attendance were Engr. Shehu Magaji, Magajin Garin Funtua, representing the Sarkin Maska; Alhaji Sambo Idris Sambo, District Head of Funtua; Alh. Babangida Ama, Head of Personnel, Funtua; Dr. Salisu Hassan; Malam Iliya Umar, representing Senator Mukhtar Dandutse; Honourable Member representing Funtua/ Dandume Muhammed Gardi; Mal. Ibrahim Suleiman (Alkali); Hon. Muhammed Abubakar Total, Member, Katsina State House of Assembly; Barrister Kabir Abdullahi; and Mal. Bashir Idris (BATC), Alh. Muhammad Gazali , Alh. Musa Yahaiya and Mal. Shehu Ahmad Maska among many others.
Adding to the significance of the day, the Bashir Cikaji Foundation generously donated 1,500 copies of the Holy Qur’an to the graduating students, further enriching the event and encouraging continued Qur’anic scholarship.
The joint convocation ceremony served as a testament to academic excellence, spiritual commitment, and community cooperation, further solidifying Funtua’s reputation as a hub of Islamic learning and a role model for other communities across Nigeria.