First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu has urged Muslim youths across Nigeria to rise to the challenges of a rapidly evolving global landscape, where technological advancements and shifting societal values demand adaptive leadership without compromising faith.

Speaking as Special Guest of Honour at the four-day National Higher Institutions Convention of Muslim Students (NHICOMS) organised by the Muslim Students Society of Nigeria (MSSN) in Ilorin, Kwara State, the First Lady charged attendees to embrace innovation while anchoring their pursuits in Islamic principles. Represented by her Special Assistant on Public Affairs and Strategy, AbdurWahab Alawiye-King, she stated: "In this competitive era, you must become leaders, thinkers, and pioneers who drive positive societal change without ever leaving your faith behind."

Senator Tinubu reaffirmed her office's commitment to advancing the Renewed Hope Agenda, highlighting its focus on youth empowerment and inclusive development. "Your generation holds the key to Nigeria's future. Rise above conventional boundaries to shape progress that honours both tradition and transformation," she added.

The convention, attended by thousands of tertiary institution students, centred on strategies for nurturing faith-driven leadership amid technological disruption.

She said: "In the emerging global happenings in such a world, Muslim youth must rise as leaders, thinkers, change-makers, and pilots who navigate with faith, integrity, and purpose."

She admitted that this year's convention theme: "Changing the Narratives in an Evolving World: The Muslim Youth as Pilots," is both timely and thoughtful "as we live in a rapidly changing global landscape."

Tinubu commended the MSSN for its many recorded roles as a youth molder. "I am particularly inspired by the MSSN's role in shaping young minds who are grounded not only in academic excellence but also in spiritual consciousness and civic responsibility.

"Your work continues to foster unity among Nigerian students while also building bridges across communities and institutions," she expressed, with promises to always support the group.

Meanwhile, many Islamic scholars and clerics lamented the dwindled common force and vibrancy of the MSSN in effecting positive changes in government policies.

They agreed that the group has turned into a shadow of its former self, agreeing that until the youths that were once the strong voice of political and social changes are reawakened and empowered into leadership positions, the purpose for its creation may remain dashed.

Among those believers was the Vice Chancellor (VC) of the University of Ilorin (Unilorin), Prof. Wahab Egbewole, who recalled how the group effected changes in the national narratives through systemic and academic moves.

He regretted that the association that was created by secondary school students is now in the firm grip of adults, even beyond tertiary schools.

According to him: "If we want MSSN to remain relevant, to champion the cause of youths, let it be led by the youths."

On the seeming redundancy of the group, Egbewole asked: "The idea of MSSN was launched by secondary school students, why then must it be difficult for the polytechnics and the universities to lead?"

Welcoming the guests, the 38th National Amir of the group, Mustapha Tajudeen, urged Muslim students to acquire sound knowledge, develop strong identity, and uphold Islamic principles to confront contemporary challenges in education, entrepreneurship, and leadership.

Explaining that the event was attended by two participants from higher institutions across the country, he urged them to be guided by merit and Taqwa (consciousness of Allah) in all pursuits while striving for excellence not just for personal gain but for the progress of the Ummah.

Earlier, the chairman of the occasion, Prof. Yusuf Ali (SAN), challenged the participants to retrace their steps by finding their voices and ensuring that the honour that the association was known for returns, saying: "Students used to be elements of beneficial changes.

"In 1981, when the College of Arabic Studies was to be established, it was the students that came together. We must rediscover ourselves, we must retrace our steps, and be relevant as Muslim students.

"Regrettably, we are no longer as vibrant as we used to be. Let me add that all that I have come this far is courtesy of the MSSN background," he stated.

The guest lecturer, Prof. Is'haq Oloyede, who described the theme as a clarion call for the Muslim students, urged Muslim youths to rise above the glaring academic, infrastructural, and policy challenges in the country to effect positive changes.

Represented by Prof. Rafiu Adebayo, Oloyede urged Muslim students to be as flexible as Islam and not be too rigid so as not to scare away converts and portray the religion in a bad light.

Speaking in the same vein, the Grand Khadi of the state, Justice Abdullateef Kamaldeen, sought further commitment by the students amidst the raging socio-political challenges.