Pioneer Northern Islamic academy in Lagos graduates over 6,000 in Islamic, Arabic studies

Al Faidiyyah Academy, the pioneer Northern Islamic school in the South West, has produced over 6,000 graduates in Islamic and Arabic studies since its establishment in 1965. Founded by the late Sheikh Imam Mukhtar Danlam, the Lagos-based institution has served as a vital hub for Islamic scholarship and moral development for six decades. Speaking at […]

Al Faidiyyah Academy, the pioneer Northern Islamic school in the South West, has produced over 6,000 graduates in Islamic and Arabic studies since its establishment in 1965.

Founded by the late Sheikh Imam Mukhtar Danlam, the Lagos-based institution has served as a vital hub for Islamic scholarship and moral development for six decades.

Speaking at a press conference to announce the academy’s diamond jubilee celebration, the Vice Chairman of the Parent-Teacher Association (PTA), Musa Ibn-Saidu, described the school as a nurturing ground for countless influential individuals who have contributed significantly to national and international development.

“Many of our alumni now serve as scholars in tertiary institutions across Nigeria, while others have taken on key roles in various sectors, driving national growth,” he said.

He noted that the academy has remained consistent in its Islamic and Arabic curriculum, with plans underway to integrate Western education.

“We aim to expand our offerings to include secular subjects, especially for children from disadvantaged backgrounds who struggle to afford school fees,” he added, calling for government and donor support to sponsor teachers and resources.

As a nonprofit institution, Al Faidiyyah Academy supports children from less privileged homes. Ibn-Saidu appealed for assistance to upgrade its ageing infrastructure, including the provision of solar power, whiteboards, tables, chairs, and ceiling fans.

The Secretary of the Old Students Association, Alhaji Salisu Ahmed Yaro, announced that dignitaries expected at the anniversary include the Oba of Lagos, Rilwan Akiolu, and the Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, along with the governors of Kano, Niger, and Katsina states.

He added that 120 students will graduate this year, having memorised the entire Qur’an and studied key Islamic and Arabic texts.

“The academy is not only a centre of learning but also moral rehabilitation, transforming youth once seen as societal challenges into disciplined ambassadors of positive change,” he said.