The Rector of the Federal Polytechnic, Ayede, Oyo State, Taofeek Abdul-Hameed, has attributed Nigeria’s worsening insecurity, corruption and moral decline to a failure of collective responsibility by citizens and leaders at all levels of society.
Abdul-Hameed made the assertion while delivering a keynote lecture themed “We Are All Responsible” at the 115th Zonal Islamic Vacation Course, IVC, of the Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria, MSSN, B Zone, held at the proposed permanent site of Al-Ummah University along the Ibadan–Lagos Expressway, Onigari area of Ogun State.
The rector, who is also the Imam of the Muslim Community at the Federal Polytechnic, Ede, Osun State, argued that social injustice, corruption, insecurity and poor living standards do not exist in isolation, but thrive when individuals and institutions abandon their moral and civic duties.
He stressed that responsibility applies to everyone, including leaders, parents, youths, professionals and religious scholars, warning that silence in the face of wrongdoing amounts to complicity.
According to him, responsibility in Islam goes beyond personal actions to include words, influence and inaction, noting that people will be held accountable not only for what they do, but also for what they fail to prevent.
Abdul-Hameed maintained that humans are saddled with the responsibility to protect values, promote justice and correct wrongs within families, institutions and the nation at large.
He commended the MSSN B-Zone for consistently organising the Islamic Vacation Course, describing the programme as a platform for moral renewal, leadership grooming and social reform among Muslim youths, insisting that such gatherings play a critical role in shaping disciplined and principled future leaders.
Earlier, in his welcome address, the Amir of MSSN B-Zone, Mallam Moshood Kolawole, described the IVC as the Society’s flagship programme, noting that it brings together participants from across the 17 southern states of Nigeria for reflection on personal growth and societal responsibility.
Kolawole urged delegates to translate lessons from the programme into practical actions within their communities.
In his closing remarks, the national president of the society, Mallam Tajudeen Mustapha, reiterated that indifference is no longer an option in the face of Nigeria’s challenges, calling on youths to see themselves as custodians of a mission to restore values, discipline and service to society.
The 115th IVC recorded over 10,000 delegates drawn from Edo, Delta and Rivers states.
