The Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria (MSSN), Lagos State Area Unit, on Saturday commenced its 2026 Holiday Training Course (HTC) across its 45 Area Councils, with participants urged to embrace integrity, competence and leadership rooted in Islamic values.
Speaking at the opening of the three-day programme, the Amir of MSSN Lagos, Dr. Ajibola Yusuf Salami, described the annual Holiday Training Course as one of the Society’s most impactful platforms for nurturing spiritually conscious, intellectually sound and morally upright Muslim students.
The programme, which runs from July 25 to 27, is held during the long vacation for secondary school students and also attracts Muslim students in higher institutions, graduate members and executives of the society.
Dr. Salami said this year’s edition would be conducted as a non-residential programme due to prevailing security challenges across the country, stressing that the adjustment was made to ensure the safety of participants.
He noted, however, that the change in format would not diminish the objectives of the programme.
“In view of prevailing security challenges nationwide, and for the safety of our members, HTC will hold as a non-residential programme.
This is not a reduction in impact, but an adjustment we needed to make. The strength of HTC has never been in where we sleep, but in what we learn and the transformation our members experience,” he said.
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The Amir explained that the theme of this year’s programme, “The Credible Maestro,” focuses on developing leaders distinguished by integrity, competence, mastery and trustworthiness.
According to him, leadership in Islam is founded on credibility and service rather than status or privilege.
Drawing lessons from Surah Yusuf (Qur’an 12:54–57), he said Prophet Yusuf (AS) demonstrated the qualities of trustworthy and competent leadership when he sought responsibility over Egypt’s storehouses.
He urged participants to emulate those virtues by pursuing knowledge, strengthening their character and preparing themselves for future leadership roles.
Dr. Salami also congratulated the Nigerian team that recently won a historic Gold Award at the World Spelling Bee Championship in China, noting that the success of Muslim students, including Maryam Yusuf, demonstrated that faith and academic excellence can coexist.
He described the achievement as an inspiration for young Muslims to pursue excellence while upholding Islamic values.
“Their success is a powerful reminder that knowledge, discipline and integrity open doors to greatness. We hope their achievement inspires every HTC delegate to pursue excellence with sincerity, uphold the values of Islam with confidence and strive to become credible ambassadors of our faith wherever Allah places them,” he said.
The MSSN Lagos leader encouraged members to participate actively throughout the training by attending sessions punctually, engaging in discussions and applying the lessons learnt beyond the duration of the programme.
He also commended Area Council executives and volunteers for their efforts in organising the annual training, praying that Allah would reward their sacrifices and grant participants beneficial knowledge, strengthened faith and the ability to emerge as credible leaders committed to serving Islam, humanity and the nation.