…universities must align their objectives with the SDGs—Unilorin VC
Fountain University, Osogbo, in partnership with five other Islamic faith-based universities in the Southwest and Kwara State, has launched a collaborative initiative to chart a development blueprint for Nigeria.
The participating institutions—Al-Hikmah University, Crescent University, Muhammad Kamaludeen University, Summit University, and Minaret University—are advocating the integration of Islamic principles into higher education to promote eco-friendly agriculture, sustainable urban planning, and resource conservation as pathways to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Speaking at the maiden conference themed “Bridging Faith, Knowledge and Innovation for Sustainable Development”, Vice-Chancellor of Fountain University, Professor Ramota Karim, commended the universities for their collective commitment to national progress, stressing that collaboration, not competition, should define their relationship.
She urged scholars at the conference to use the platform to affirm that Islamic faith-based universities are vital contributors to Nigeria’s development agenda, not fringe players in the education and innovation ecosystem.
Read Also: 16 bags First Class as 345 graduate from Fountain Varsity
“We are central to its success, and we can ignite a renewed dedication to innovation, ethical scholarship, and service to humanity under divine guidance.”
The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof Wahab Egbewole, SAN, in his keynote address, explained that “Before the recognition of justice and equity as sustainable goals, Islam has always advocated the principle of al-‘adl which involves equitable access to resources, education and opportunities.”
He noted that higher education must strive to align its objectives with the SDGs, especially SDG 4, which provides for quality education, and SDG 9, which calls for industry, innovation and infrastructure.
“Islam has always emphasised the importance of innovation in fields such as medicine, technology, agriculture and so on, as long as it serves the public good. It is imperative to stress that innovation must be ethical.”