Muslims should enrol their children in Muslim schools – Otun Ishaq

The Director of Administration, Al Qalam Schools, Ibadan, Alhaji Otun Ishaq Ajibola has admonished Muslims to enrol their children/wards in Islamic schools saying that is where they can get everything that could benefit them in both worlds. Ishaq stated this in an exclusive interview with our correspondent on Tuesday, 14th of January, 2019. Below is his conversation with the correspondent.

Q: Can we meet you?

A: Alhaji Otun Ishaq Ajibola is my name, the Director of Administration, Al Qalam Schools, Ibadan. I am an Educationist, a qualified Accountant, Tax Expert, Fraud Examiner and a seasoned business manager. I am a Fellow member of Association of National Accountants of Nigeria (ANAN), a Fellow member of the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN), a Fellow member of the Institute of Financial Accountants, UK. Also a member of the Nigerian Institute of Management, a member of the Institute of Certified Public Accountants (CPA) of Ireland, and Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (USA), among others.

Q: What can you tell us about Al Qalam Schools?

A: Al Qalam Schools, Ibadan is a reputable Islamic school established over a decade ago and being under the Management of Muslims who are Professionals in diverse fields. Though its ownership is different from the Management. The learning and activities of the school are being driven by her mission statement: which is; to be a leading institution offering qualitative education with morals based on pristine Islamic teachings; to nurture ideal Muslim children who shall influence the globe positively and benefit from both worlds. The school possesses a conducive learning environment for enriched Islamic and western curriculum; handled by qualified, trained and experienced tutors. Also, the school has excellent learning facilities for raising well-rounded Muslim students. Al Qalam Schools is a recognized school, a member of the Association of Muslim Islamic Model Schools (AMIS), Nigeria. And the State Chapter (Oyo) of this reputable body has recognized and awarded Al Qalam Schools for academic excellence due to the school’s performance in the chapter’s mock examinations conducted few months ago.

Q: Why should parents enrol their children/wards in Al Qalam schools?

A: Parents should enrol their children at Al Qalam School because it’s child-oriented and it’s a school where pristine Islamic teachings are blended with relevant contemporary education. The school’s management is focused on its mission statement and they keep driving all efforts towards the attainment of set goals. More importantly, the school gives priority to excellence in every aspect of its academic operations. It is equally pertinent to disclose that the school offers a conducive learning environment and required facilities which promote learning for desired results to parents’ expectations and satisfaction.

Q: In your view, do you think it is better for Muslim parents to enrol their children in Muslim schools than secular schools?

A: Yes, it is better for Muslim parents to enrol their children in Muslim schools. Alhamdulillah, that things have changed unlike years back when parents were facing challenges to accessing Muslim schools that could offer qualitative contemporary education. So schools like Al Qalam Schools, Ibadan should be Muslim parents’ preferred choice because Muslim schools are better and they offer Muslim children everything that could benefit them in both worlds.

Q: Your advice for Muslim parents and scholars on ways to sustain and move Islamic schools forward.

A: My candid advice to all Muslim scholars on the sustainability of Muslim schools is that they should contribute more, more self-development is required, enhanced commitment and determination. Muslim scholars dealing with education need to design a robust methodology to impart relevant contemporary learning to Muslim children. I mean in areas like technology, Artificial Intelligence, and Sciences, all to be blended with faith (Deen). We need all these for them to influence the world positively like the Muslims of the past (Predecessors). And to Muslim parents, I advise them to see value and benefits in educating their children base on pristine Islamic ideology, then they should be supportive as they are key players in the sustainability of Islamic schools.

Q: Your advice to Muslim students on how to excel academically.

A: To our Muslim students, first you are Muslims, so ALLAH (GOD) first in everything, know HIM and relate well with HIM. Then give priority to learning to benefit humanity as we are living in a changing world. So, the acquisition of relevant skills and knowledge should be your target. I advise you not to be wasting time being most precious in life, channel it towards productivity so as to move the nation forward. So, appreciate time to excel academically.