The Minister of State for Education, Suwaiba Said Ahmad, has commended the academic achievements of young Muslim women, describing them as symbols of discipline, perseverance, and national pride.
She gave the commendation during the 2nd Peace Magazine Honour Roll Ceremony in Abuja, themed “Celebrating Intelligent Brains Under the Veils”, where 21 outstanding Muslim female graduates from Nigerian universities were honoured for their academic excellence.
Ahmad, who joined the ceremony despite being on official travel, said the event was a celebration of brilliance, modesty, and the limitless potential of educated women.
“This gathering is more than a recognition of academic excellence; it is a celebration of discipline and the quiet strength of women who dared to dream and serve humanity,” she said. “Education remains the surest path to liberation, confidence, and sustainable development.”
The minister urged the honorees to see themselves as future leaders and nation-builders, noting that Islam encourages the pursuit of knowledge as a sacred duty.
“You are breaking stereotypes and redefining possibilities,” she told the scholars. “Use your education to transform lives, strengthen communities, and uphold the ideals of justice, equity, and peace.”
In his remarks, the Grand Patron of Peace Magazine, Mallam Murtala Aliyu, said the initiative was inspired by the need to recognize Muslim women who excel academically despite social distractions.
“When you train a woman, you train a nation,” Aliyu said, calling for more corporate sponsorship to expand the initiative. He also advised students to avoid drugs and immoral distractions, saying success comes with patience and discipline.
