*Says: Academic top achievers deserve special attention

The First Class Muslim Foundation has underscored the importance of providing exceptional support to Nigeria’s top academic achievers.

The foundation’s Chairman, Dr. Sulaimon Ogunmuyiwa, said this at the sixth M-First Series, a three-day leadership development programme for high-flying Muslim graduates, held in Lagos State.

Ogunmuyiwa stressed that harnessing the potential of first-class graduates is crucial for the nation’s progress.

He said, “These individuals have already demonstrated extraordinary intellectual abilities and deserve special attention.

“While academic excellence is commendable, true success lies in using that knowledge to contribute to the broader community. The M-First Series aims to equip graduates with the tools, knowledge, and networks necessary to make significant impacts in their fields. This year’s programmes attracted 127 exceptional applicants, with 50 selected to participate.”

During the career skills session, a recent University of Lagos’ doctoral award winner, Dr. Aminat Olawunmi Ige, advised participants to focus on their weaknesses, prioritise continuous learning, and maintain resilience.

She said, “You must identify your weakness and start working on it. Never stop learning. Knowledge will always set you apart, learn as many as you can.

“For your short-term goals, avoid distraction and for your long-term goals, live it every day. I have fallen many times in life but as Muslims, you already have enough to guide you to be resilient because nothing happens without Allah’s will.”

On his part, the BUA Refinery Coordinator, Alhaji Nasir Giwa, emphasised the importance of productivity and visibility, saying, “Wherever you work, try to be visible and available.”

The Chief Financial Officer of MTN Nigeria, Modupe Kadiri, who delivered the keynote at the event, urged participants to build strong networks and make decisive career choices.

“Build bridges anywhere you go by actively networking with people in your professional line and alumni among others,” he added.

A senior financial expert at GE Nigeria, Mr Mutiu Adelu, highlighted the significance of goal-setting and documentation.

“If you don’t write your goals down, it becomes a dream,” he said.

A seasoned marriage counselor and family coach, Mrs. Bushroh Okeowo-Bombata, noted that relationships and marriage are not impediments to career advancement.

Chief Executive Officer of Omnicom Solutions Limited, Engr Faheed Olajide, encouraged participants to adopt a forward-thinking approach to their careers.

“Your today is but a bundle of past decisions and they will be contributory to what you will become in the next five years,” he said.

Other experts who spoke at the event include the Former Acting Vice Vice Chancellor, Lagos State University of Science and Technology, Dr Nurudeen Olaleye; the Pro Vice-Chancellor and Dean of the College of Business, Law and Social Sciences at the University of Derby, Prof. Kamil Omoteso, who joined virtually; Group Human Resource Manager of dentsu Nigeria, Mr Mustapha Kelani; and Public Sector Expert, Dr. (Mrs) Abimbola Abdur-Rahman Lekki.