A leading Islamic institution in Lagos, the Nurul-Islam Arabic and Islamic Training Centre, has officially commenced celebrations for its 50th anniversary, marking a significant milestone with ambitious plans for the future.
A Golden Jubilee and a Vision for Expansion
The celebratory events began on November 17, 2025, and are scheduled to run until December 2, 2025. During a world press conference, the founder and proprietor, Sheikh Daud Alfanla AbdulMajeed Eleha, announced the central goal of this golden jubilee: to raise funds for the development of a major new campus in Ogun State.
Sheikh Eleha grounded the Centre's half-century of work in religious tradition, stating that the Holy Prophet encouraged preaching on the path of Allah for those with knowledge. He explained the institution's dual mission is to establish knowledge where it is absent and to guide those who have strayed back to the correct path.
Overcoming Challenges and Honoring Mentors
Reflecting on the journey, Sheikh Eleha offered a sobering look at the difficulties faced in establishing the school five decades ago. He admitted that the challenges were so profound that detailing them might discourage others from a similar path. He identified hunger as the most significant early obstacle, using it as a universal lesson in patience and prayer.
The Sheikh also paid a heartfelt tribute to his mentor, Sheikh Adams Al-Illory, praising his piety for allowing a student to establish a competing madrasa so close to his own. He counted himself as one of the great successes of his teacher's guidance.
Integrating Faith with Modern Learning
The driving force behind the anniversary celebrations is the urgent need for expansion. The current location in Agege, after 50 years, is now too small for the Centre's vision.
The proposed new school in Ogun State is designed to integrate Western education with its core Arabic and Islamic curriculum. This model has already been successfully implemented at the Centre's branches in Ilorin, Kwara State (25 years old), and Oyo State (60 years old).
Sheikh Eleha confirmed this integrated approach, noting that Islam encourages the learning of various languages. The new school will follow the established primary and secondary school models already running in Ilorin and Darusalam.
The institution maintains high academic standards, including registration for the Mbaise qualification, which holds the same status as WAEC and NECO for university admissions. The school's excellence was demonstrated last year when it emerged in the first position in the whole of Lagos State.
To date, the Centre estimates that over 5,000 students have graduated from its various programmes. The curriculum is comprehensive, covering not just theology but also practical skills like leading prayers, naming ceremonies, burial rites, and psychology.
Husain Bakaniyah, the Chairman of the Old Students association, confirmed that the development of the school project in Abeokuta is their major goal, thanking supporters for helping to acquire the new land. The Head of the School, Nurudeen Abdulsalam, reiterated the Centre's commitment to producing well-rounded scholars qualified in all aspects of Islam.
