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Brothers Urged to Become ‘Life-Worms’ at MSSNUI Brothers’ Forum

Brothers have been urged to pursue a holistic model of success that combines academic excellence with strong personal character.

This advice was given at the 1447AH Brothers’ Forum of the Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria, University of Ibadan (MSSNUI), held on Saturday, 4th October, 2025, at the Pharmacy Auditorium.

The forum, themed “Book-Worm, Life-Worm,” drew together professionals from finance, technology, and mentorship to address the dual necessity of excelling academically while developing spiritually, socially, and ethically.

The intellectual charge of the day was led by the keynote speaker, Engr. Raji Abdul-Azeez, Founder of Rajtronix Technologies, who challenged students to position themselves as pioneers in today’s fast-evolving technological space.

Engr. Abdul-Azeez emphasized the importance of continuous learning, technical skill acquisition, and the need to balance academic performance with the growing spiritual and social demands of campus life.

He urged students to see their education as a starting point rather than a destination.

“Preparation for life after school can never be enough because when a challenge is conquered, another one comes,” he said.

He also stressed the importance of financial intelligence, encouraging students to explore ethical and halal investment opportunities as a means of securing their future responsibly.

Following the keynote address, Sheikh Ali Abdussalam, Director of the Ali Institute for Qur’an Memorization, delivered the Relationship Talk, where he emphasized brotherhood, character, and the need for Muslim youth to approach marriage with responsibility.

The cleric addressed popular misconceptions around spousal selection and financial readiness, warning against the pursuit of superficial ideals.

He cautioned brothers “looking for spec,” noting that “Till the end of time we can never get everything we want in a sister.”

He shifted attention to compatibility and responsibility, advising that the right partner is one whose character and life stage align with one’s own.

“If you are in search of a sister, look for somebody who has a character that fits yours; if you are a striving brother, look for a striving sister that you are on the same level,” he said.

Sheikh Abdussalam was also explicit on the financial responsibility of men in marriage, stating that any marriage where a man “cannot provide for the sister based on the need of that sister, you have married wrongly.”

He further warned against overstepping boundaries, advising brothers to pursue relationships within their means and level, saying, “As a brother, no dey pass your boundary.”

Lamenting the increasing financial and social barriers to marriage, he warned that “Nikkah is becoming a black market in a dark market.”

He concluded with a direct call to action, particularly to final-year students, stating, “The best place a sister can be picked is on campus. As a final year student, act!”

The Chairman of the Day, Alhaji Saheed Amao, Group Head, Retail and SME (Southwest) at LOTUS Bank, followed with an address that bridged the spiritual discussions with professional and corporate realities.

Alhaji Amao spoke on the interconnection between spiritual discipline, financial literacy, and character development, reminding the students that “The first thing you will be tested on in your society is your Solat.”

“Every student must move beyond paper qualifications to become truly valuable problem-solvers in the marketplace,” he said.

He also encouraged enterprise among students, inviting those with viable ideas to seek partnerships.

“Brothers, if you have a well-structured business plan, send it forth for a partnership,” he urged.

Speaking on personal development, he stated, “You will be a major determinant of the kind of woman you want in your life,” adding that intentional character-building is key.

“Have a clear future of who you want to marry. If you want a good sister, be a good brother,” he said.

On financial preparedness, he concluded that while students may not yet be financially stable, they must strive to be financially intelligent.

“You may not be able to be financially capable now, but you must be financially intelligent,” he noted.

The forum ended with a practical panel session where professionals shared actionable strategies on balancing academics, skills acquisition, and enterprise.

In the technology segment, Mr. Abdulsamad Hussayn, a Backend Developer, highlighted essential coding and soft skills for students seeking relevance in the modern job market.

He stressed self-driven learning, noting that “nobody is going to sit you down and teach you everything.”

He encouraged students to leverage online resources, saying, “Once you have your mobile phone, find some courses online to do, e.g., Udemy, Coursera.”

He assured participants that determination remains key, stating, “Once you are determined, you will make it.”

On business and entrepreneurship, Mr. Olansile Olanrewaju, a Business Development Manager, urged undergraduates to cultivate an entrepreneurial mindset regardless of discipline.

He emphasized self-awareness as the foundation of success, advising students to “understand yourself and the study pattern that will work for you.”

He also stressed the importance of early career clarity. “Let every individual understand what we want to do; either going for postgraduate studies, doing business, or entering into a profession,” he said.

Addressing finance, Mr. Sodiq Zakariyah, a Treasury Analyst at FCMB, offered practical guidance on budgeting, ethical investing, and managing student finances.

He warned against unrealistic investment promises, stating that “No one should guarantee you returns on an investment. Once it’s guaranteed, you’re at risk.”

He advised students to avoid haram income sources, saying, “Avoid excessive income by not investing in haram businesses such as gambling.”

He further encouraged engagement in productive activities, adding, “Try as much as possible to do what you love,” and “If you want to know how to combine more than a thing, volunteer with MSSN committees.”

He concluded by stressing academic balance, urging students to “try as much as possible to finish with at least a second class upper.”