Rector Attributes Nigeria's Insecurity and Corruption to a Shared National Failure

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Keynote Lecture
3. The Concept of Responsibility
4. Moral Renewal and Leadership
5. Welcome Address
6. Closing Remarks
7. Attendance

The Rector of the Federal Polytechnic, Ayede, Oyo State, Taofeek Abdul-Hameed, has linked Nigeria’s escalating insecurity, corruption, and moral decay to a failure of collective responsibility among citizens and leaders at all societal levels.

Abdul-Hameed made this statement while delivering a keynote lecture titled “We Are All Responsible” during the 115th Zonal Islamic Vacation Course (IVC) of the Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria (MSSN), B Zone, held at the proposed permanent site of Al-Ummah University along the Ibadan–Lagos Expressway in the Onigari area of Ogun State.

The rector, who also serves as the Imam of the Muslim Community at the Federal Polytechnic, Ede, Osun State, argued that social injustice, corruption, insecurity, and poor living conditions do not occur in isolation; they flourish when individuals and institutions neglect their moral and civic obligations.

He emphasized that responsibility encompasses everyone, including leaders, parents, youths, professionals, and religious scholars, cautioning that silence in the face of wrongdoing equates to complicity.

According to him, responsibility in Islam extends beyond individual actions to include one's words, influence, and inaction, pointing out that individuals will be held accountable not just for their actions but also for what they fail to prevent.

Abdul-Hameed asserted that it is humanity's duty to uphold values, promote justice, and rectify wrongs within families, institutions, and the nation as a whole.

He praised the MSSN B-Zone for consistently organizing the Islamic Vacation Course, describing the event as a platform for moral rejuvenation, leadership development, and social reform among Muslim youths, asserting that such gatherings are vital in cultivating disciplined and principled future leaders.

Earlier, in his welcome address, the Amir of MSSN B-Zone, Mallam Moshood Kolawole, referred to the IVC as the Society’s flagship program, noting that it gathers participants from across the 17 southern states of Nigeria for reflection on personal development and societal responsibilities.

Kolawole encouraged delegates to translate the lessons learned from the program into actionable initiatives within their communities.

In his concluding remarks, the national president of the society, Mallam Tajudeen Mustapha, reiterated that indifference is no longer a viable option in light of Nigeria’s challenges, urging youths to view themselves as custodians of a mission to restore values, discipline, and service to society.

The 115th IVC attracted over 10,000 delegates from Edo, Delta, and Rivers states.

Eze Chidiebere Paul

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