‘Development partners considering Waqf model for funding’

Special Adviser to the Minister of Education on Almajiri Education, Hon Bala Shehu Kakale, has described Waqf as a vital instrument for social mobilisation, financing and fiscal stability. He spoke when the Al Habibiyah Islamic Society (AIS), an Abuja-based Islamic organisation, presented a progress report on its Waqf programme and officially launched the Al Habibiyah […]

Special Adviser to the Minister of Education on Almajiri Education, Hon Bala Shehu Kakale, has described Waqf as a vital instrument for social mobilisation, financing and fiscal stability.

He spoke when the Al Habibiyah Islamic Society (AIS), an Abuja-based Islamic organisation, presented a progress report on its Waqf programme and officially launched the Al Habibiyah Volunteers Network (Al-VON).

In Islam, Waqf refers to the dedication of property or assets for religious, charitable or public use. Ownership is transferred to God or the Islamic community while the benefits are utilised to serve designated beneficiaries. It acts as a form of endowment aimed at sustaining religious, educational or social welfare initiatives over time.

Kakale noted that international bodies were increasingly turning to the model for funding.

He said, “Donor agencies and development partners—giants like UNICEF, UNHCR, WHO and others—are now looking to Waqf for resource mobilisation and funding for their programmes. They are critically examining the power and potential of Waqf in funding their global operations.”

He disclosed that the Federal Ministry of Education, under the leadership of Dr. Tunji Alausa and Professor Suwaib Ahmad, was exploring resource mobilisation and financial investment in education using Waqf-based tools.

Kakale added that having observed best practices in Africa, Europe and America, the ministry recognised that capacity building in Waqf operations was making a global impact.

“In this era of massive demands for education reforms, it is only natural to key into any available support, whether national or global,” he concluded.

Speaking at the event held at the society’s national secretariat in Guzape, Abuja, the National Chief Imam of AIS, Imam Fuad Adeyemi, stated that the Al Habibiyyah Waqf Foundation (AWF) was committed to promoting sustainable development through the efficient collection, management and distribution of Waqf in accordance with Sharia principles.

Imam Adeyemi explained the dual purpose of the gathering: “Today, we are achieving two goals simultaneously: holding the Al Habibiyah Waqf Roundtable to continue our sensitisation efforts and making public the inauguration of the Al Habibiyah Volunteers Network (Al-VON). We are confident that, Insha Allah, this journey will be a fruitful one.

“Al-VON is also a form of Waqf where people contribute their time with the sole intention of seeking Allah’s reward. The impact of their service will remain for a lifetime, earning them continuous rewards. We simply want to formalise this structure.”

He further highlighted the global significance of volunteerism, noting that it was often undervalued locally.

He said, “Many people are unaware that volunteerism is one of the most significant global trends. Unfortunately, most of us do not appreciate its importance. In developed countries, a volunteer certificate can enhance job prospects, secure scholarships for students and attract various honours. We established this network to help ourselves become more organised and effective. For our volunteers, this is a journey that began long ago, but we now seek to concretise and organise it.”