Al-Manal College, through its affiliate Al-Manal Islamic Foundation, successfully hosted the 1st Annual Imam As’Shashawy Seminar and Skill Acquisition & Entrepreneurship Exposition Programme—a groundbreaking three-week initiative held from 2nd to 21st August 2025.
With the theme:
“Bridging the Gap Between Religious Applicabilities and Societal Realities: An Urgent Call to Dispel an Emerging Danger,”
The programme brought together scholars, professionals, community leaders, students, and youth from across Shasha–Akowonjo and beyond. It served as a dynamic platform to harmonize Islamic scholarship with practical, real-world skills, empowering participants both spiritually and economically.
A Grand Induction Ceremony (2nd August 2025) held at Shasha Central Mosque, Lagos State
The programme opened with a vibrant induction ceremony chaired by Dr. Habeeb Dosumu, with Dr. Mikhael Olatoye serving as the guest lecturer alongside other keynote speakers such as Mr. Razaq Lawal (Quality Assurance Expert), Sheikh Sobur Balogun ( Accountant, LASUED), Barr. Adebayo Hamid, Imam ABDULAZEEZ Yunus Osho.
Participants – drawn from Al-Manal College and various communities across Shasha and beyond, received workshop materials and an inspiring orientation on the purpose and impact of the initiative.
The induction was described as massive, engaging, and intellectually stimulating.
Two Weeks of Intensive Skill Training (4th–14th August 2025)
Training centers across the community hosted participants as they received hands-on instruction in:
• Digital Marketing
• CCTV Installation & Maintenance
• Electrical Works & Repairs
• Catering & Culinary Arts
• Fashion Design
• Soap Making
This segment aimed to equip young people with income-generating skills capable of enhancing self-reliance and entrepreneurship.
Week of Thematic Seminars and Intellectual Engagement held at Shasha Central Mosque, Lagos State
16 August – Doctors’ Day
Chaired by Alhaja Zulaykha Bolarinwa, the day focused on the topic:
“Deciphering the Intersection Between Religious Consciousness and Societal Realities.”
The session featured insightful presentations from Dr. (Mrs) Aminat Shuaib Imam and Dr. (Mrs) Jemilah A. Aruna of the Lagos State Ministry of Health.
17 August – Arabic Day (Day One)
The first Arabic Day was chaired by Dr. Habeebullah Idris Akinwunmi.
Participants included students from Lagos State University, Markaz University College, Al-Manal College, and other institutions.
The day showcased various Arabic presentations, debates, and scholarly discussions.
18 August – Arabic Day (Day Two)
Chaired by Sheikh Abdulwasiu Abdulazeez Al-Ilawy (Mudeer, Markaz Sahada Alimosho), this session featured two distinguished scholars:
• Sheikh Abdulrasaq Oloyin
• Sheikh Luqman Tefutu
Their discussion centered on the topic:
توجيه الاهتمام منحى تهذيب فهم توسيط الحواصل بين العلوم الدينية والوقائع الاجتماعية في إصلاح الأمة
(Directing Attention towards Refining Understanding and harmonizing religious knowledge and social realities for societal reform)
19 August – Lawyers’ Day
Chaired by Barr. A. I. Adebayo, Chairman of the Muslim Lawyers Association of Nigeria (MULAN), Lagos.
The discussant, Barr. Abduljaleel Olugbenga Soga, addressed the topic:
“Addressing Issues Against Character Assassination in Da’wah Propagation: Understanding Cyber Laws in Nigeria.”
This session highlighted the legal dimensions of modern-day preaching and online engagement.
20 August – Tasawwuf Day
Chaired by Sheikh Abdulwahab Kuranga, with contributions from:
• Sheikh Khaleefa Idris Zayyaty
• Sheikh Ismail Kurama As-Salaty
Their presentations examined the topic:
“The Concept of Islamic Sufism in Da’wah Application and the Impact of Sufi Scholars’ Actions and Inactions in Yorubaland.”
21 August – Women’s Day (Closing Ceremony)
The concluding day of the programme was dedicated to women and chaired by the esteemed Alhaja Siddiqot Binuyo.
Distinguished discussants included:
• Barr. (Mrs) M. K. Oriniowo, Chief State Counsel, Ministry of Justice
• Mrs. Okeowo Bombata
• Barr. (Mrs) B. A Lawal (Bureau of the Public Defender, MOJ, Lagos State)
. Barr(Mrs) Ruqoyyat Olawunmi
And several other reputable speakers
The atmosphere was vibrant, empowering, and filled with remarkable presentations celebrating the role of women in societal development.
Convocation Ceremony – 11 October 2025
Venue: Paraclete Event Centre, Shasha Road, Lagos State
The Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Exposition Programme culminated in a grand Convocation Ceremony held on 11 October 2025 at the prestigious Paraclete Event Centre, Shasha Road, Lagos. The event marked a remarkable milestone for the participants who devoted themselves to weeks of intensive, hands-on training across diverse vocational fields.
The ceremony enjoyed the presence of distinguished guests, including Mr. Waheed Adeniran Kasali, Permanent Secretary, Tertiary Education, Lagos State. His attendance brought honour, encouragement, and institutional recognition to the initiative.
During the ceremony, all successful participants were proudly awarded their Certificates of Participation, symbolizing their perseverance, dedication, and readiness to put their newly acquired skills to productive use. Additionally, a select group of outstanding trainees received scholarship awards in acknowledgment of their exceptional performance, discipline, and excellence throughout the programme.
The convocation not only celebrated the achievements of the graduates but also reaffirmed Al-Manal College’s commitment to nurturing well-rounded individuals—youth equipped with both strong religious consciousness and practical, industry-relevant competencies necessary for success in today’s evolving society.
For photo highlights, videos, and coverage of the programme and the convocation ceremony, follow our official Facebook pages: “Al-MANAL TV” and “Imam Yakub As’Shashawy.”
A Historic Milestone for the Shasha–Akowonjo Community
This first-of-its-kind programme in the community reflects Al-Manal College’s unwavering commitment to productivity, innovation, religious enlightenment, and youth empowerment.
By combining spiritual knowledge with practical skills, the initiative aims to raise a generation of young people who are morally upright, socially responsible, and economically empowered.
Appreciation
Al-Manal College and the Al-Manal Islamic Foundation extend their profound appreciation to all facilitators, discussants, contributors, and well-wishers who played vital roles in the success of the 1st Annual Imam As’Shashawy Seminar and Skill Acquisition & Entrepreneurship Exposition Programme.
Your expertise, dedication, and unwavering support were instrumental in making this historic initiative impactful and memorable.
Special Appreciation to the Skill Coaches
We sincerely acknowledge and appreciate the outstanding commitment of the coaches who led the various skill acquisition segments:
• Mr. Kazeem (KazDigitals) – Digital Marketing
• Mr. Oriyomi Lawal and Sheikh Ahmad Oluwatoyin Sulaiman (PEC) – CCTV Installation and Maintenance
• Mr. Jeremiah (Jay Electrical Services) – Electrical Works and Repairs
• Ms. Hassana Taiwo Ogunmola and Ms. Huseinna Kehinde Ogunmola (Bakes by TWINIX) – Catering and Culinary Arts
• Mr. Yunus Ishola and Mr. Moses – Fashion Design (Current and former Chairmen, Tailors Association, Shasha)
• Mrs. Zulaykha Alli and Mrs. Shukrah Daud – Culinary Support, with Mrs. Shukrah Daud also serving as the Soap Making Coach
Closing Remark
The success of the 1st Annual Imam As’Shashawy Seminar and Skill Acquisition Programme stands as a testament to what is possible when knowledge, faith, and community development come together.
As Al-Manal College looks forward to the next edition, the institution remains dedicated to nurturing minds, shaping character, and building a future where every young person is equipped to contribute meaningfully to society.
With Allah’s grace, this annual programme will continue to illuminate paths, transform lives, and inspire excellence for generations to come.
