In a deeply symbolic homecoming and demonstration of commitment to grassroots education, the First Lady of Bauchi State, Hajiya Dr. Aisha Bala Mohammed, paid a visit to several renovated Islamiyya schools in Alkaleri Local Government Area, including Noorul Islam Islamiyya School, where she herself once studied as a child.
The visits, carried out under the umbrella of the Al-Muhibbah Foundation a humanitarian organisation founded by the First Lady highlighted the foundation’s ongoing effort to uplift educational and religious institutions across Bauchi State. The trip forms part of a wider initiative by the foundation to expand inclusive access to quality education for underprivileged children, particularly those in underserved rural communities.
While addressing students, teachers, and community leaders during the tour, Dr. Aisha Bala Mohammed stressed the critical importance of integrating both religious and western education, arguing that this dual approach is key to raising a generation of morally upright and intellectually capable citizens.
“We must not choose between religious and western education. Our children deserve both to be spiritually grounded and academically empowered,” she said.
The First Lady urged parents and caregivers to ensure that no child is left behind in receiving a well-rounded education, asserting that the nation’s future depends on a citizenry that is not only educated but also ethically guided.
Her message resonated strongly with local leaders and school administrators, who commended her vision and applauded the transformation brought about by her foundation’s intervention. Previously dilapidated classrooms at several Islamiyya schools have been rehabilitated into safe and conducive learning environments, thanks to the Al-Muhibbah Foundation’s renovation work.
At Noorul Islam Islamiyya School, students offered prayers of gratitude for the First Lady, celebrating her return as a proud alumna and benefactor. Their emotional tributes reflected the deep community bond fostered by her continued outreach and advocacy for education.
The Al-Muhibbah Foundation has expanded its reach in recent years, with initiatives spanning school infrastructure development, community health campaigns, and the groundbreaking establishment of Al-Muhibbah Open University, a new institution designed to make higher education more accessible in Nigeria’s North-East region.
As Bauchi State continues to promote holistic learning models, the First Lady’s call for balanced educational reform aligns with broader national conversations about the importance of integrating traditional religious values with 21st-century knowledge to equip Nigerian youth for meaningful participation in national development.
