A text of remarks by Prof Ahmed Tijjani Mota,OON, mni ( Ƙayayen Sarkin Musulmi) Wakilin Maganin Zazzau at the 9th Graduation, Speech and Prize-Giving Ceremony of Al-Bidiyatul Jameelah International School, Kaduna Sunday, 26th July, 2026
Protocol.
Assalamu Alaikum wa Rahmatullahi Ta’ala wa Barakatuhu.
It gives me immense pleasure and honour to be invited as the Special Guest of Honour at the 9th Graduation, Speech and Prize-Giving Ceremony of Al-Bidiyatul Jameelah International School, Kaduna, on this memorable occasion.
At the outset, I warmly congratulate the Chairman of today’s occasion, the Proprietor of this great institution, Brigadier General Abdulkadir Abubakar Gummi (Rtd), the management, members of staff, parents, guardians, and, most especially, the graduating students. I rejoice with you all on this important milestone.
Graduation ceremonies are occasions of celebration throughout the world. They are moments of joy, fulfilment, and hope-not only for the graduating students but also for their teachers, parents, guardians, and everyone who has contributed to their educational journey. Today’s ceremony is no exception, particularly for an international school that bears such a beautiful and befitting name.
As we celebrate this achievement, it is also appropriate to reflect on the enduring legacy of one of Nigeria’s greatest Islamic scholars and reformers, the late Sheikh Abubakar Mahmud Gummi, who passed away in September 1992. His immense contributions to the rejuvenation and propagation of Islam in Nigeria and indeed throughout West Africa remain a source of inspiration to generations of Muslims. May Allah (SWT) grant him Aljannatul Firdaus. Ameen.
Indeed, there was no way General Gummi could have invited me to this occasion and I would decline the invitation.
Firstly, I consider myself a member of the extended Gummi family because of the close and longstanding relationship between the family of the late Sheikh Abubakar Mahmud Gummi and that of our late father, Mallam (Dr.) Abdurrahman Mora (1916-1997).
Furthermore, Alhaji Abdullahi Gummi was my senior at Barewa College, Zaria. He was in Form V when I entered Form I. General Abdulkadir Gummi and I also shared Nagwamatse House at Barewa College, although at different levels of our academic journey. Later in life, I became schoolmates with Dr. Hamza Gummi and Sheikh Ahmad Gummi, while Alhaji Mujtaba Gummi has always remained a respected senior brother.
I have mentioned these distinguished members of the Gummi family to underscore the importance of the strong bond of friendship and family ties-Zumunci, as we call it in Hausa-which is highly encouraged and cherished in Islam. This spirit of mutual respect, loyalty, and enduring relationships is a valuable lesson for today’s graduating class.
Since I was not assigned a specific topic, I consider myself at liberty to offer a few words of advice to the graduating students.
If there is one virtue I would like to emphasise today, it is RELIABILITY.
As you step into the next phase of your lives, strive to become reliable individuals. Reliability is one of the greatest virtues anyone can possess, and it will never fail you throughout your life’s journey.
Let everyone who comes into contact with you know you as someone whose word can be trusted; someone who honours commitments; someone who is dependable, honest, and responsible. Be the person your classmates, schoolmates, colleagues, employers, friends, and even your family can confidently rely upon.
People who are reliable earn respect, build lasting relationships, inspire confidence, and often become leaders because others trust them.
My dear graduating students, as you pursue higher education and future careers, always uphold the values of integrity, discipline, humility, hard work, respect for others, and the fear of Allah. These virtues, together with reliability, will distinguish you wherever you find yourselves.
I congratulate each and every one of you on your graduation. May Allah (SWT) continue to guide, protect, and bless you with wisdom, good health, and success in all your future endeavours. Ameen.
Finally, I sincerely thank the Management and Proprietor of Al-Bidiyatul Jameelah International School for the honour of inviting me to participate in this important occasion. I am indeed grateful and deeply honoured.
Jazakumullahu Khairan.
Wassalamu Alaikum wa Rahmatullahi Ta’ala wa Barakatuhu.
Alhamdulillahi Rabbil ‘Alamin
