Governments have been urged to integrate Islamic and secular education to foster national growth and development.

The call was made by Prof. Shuaibu Muhammad Musa, former rector of Federal Polytechnic, Bauchi, during the maiden graduation ceremony of 29 pioneer students of the JIBWIS Special Hadda School, held at JIBWIS College of Sunnah, Kofar Wambai, Bauchi.

Musa explained that while Western education emphasises human reasoning and stimulates global economic progress, Islamic education balances personality development, instils civic responsibility, and enables individuals to contribute meaningfully to national development.

He stressed that a dual education system combining religious and contemporary knowledge produces spiritually upright and professionally competent scholars.

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For his part, the principal of the Special Hadda School, Malam Yusuf Garba, described the graduation as historic, noting that it was aimed at encouraging children in their academic pursuits and fostering national development.

He attributed social biases among youths to a lack of parental commitment and urged parents and stakeholders to prioritise Islamic and secular education for societal growth.

Also speaking, the chairman of the Council of Ulama, JIBWIS Jos, Bauchi branch, Sheikh Salihu Sulaiman Ningi, advised Islamic scholars to emphasise teaching Arabic to enhance rapid understanding of the Holy Qur'an.

Ningi, represented by his deputy II, Dr. Aliyu Ibrahim Shafi'i, further encouraged the graduating students to remain steadfast in seeking knowledge.

Some graduates, Aishatu Zakariyya Idris, Hafsat Mahmood Isa and Muhammad Yahaya, expressed joy and gratitude for witnessing the occasion.

The event was attended by traditional leaders, educationists, families, and friends of the graduating students, among others.