25 Jan 2026, 11:13 PM
REPORT ON THE VISIT OF DARUL ERKAM FOUNDATION DELEGATION TO
UMARU SANDA AHMADU COLLEGE OF EDUCATION, MINNA
1. Introduction
A delegation from Darul Erkam Foundation paid an official visit to Umaru Sanda Ahmadu College of Education, Minna, on Thursday 22nd January 2026 as part of follow-up activities arising from the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the College and the Foundation two weeks earlier. The visit was aimed at conducting an on-the-spot assessment of the site allocated for the establishment and construction of a Centre for Arabic and Islamic Studies within the College.
2. Reception of the Delegation
The delegation, led by the Nigeria Head of Darul Erkam Foundation, Mr Metin Celebi, was formally received by the Provost of the College. The visit underscored the strong partnership and shared commitment between the two institutions toward educational and human capital development.
3. Remarks by the Foundation
In his remarks, the Country Representative of Darul Erkam Foundation acknowledged the core mandate of Umaru Sanda Ahmadu College of Education, which is the training of teachers. He noted that this mandate aligns closely with one of the Foundation’s principal objectives—capacity building through education, particularly in Arabic and Islamic Studies. He reaffirmed the Foundation’s commitment to the successful execution of the project as envisaged in the MoU.
4. Remarks by the Provost
The Provost, Dr Baba Muhammad in his response, expressed profound appreciation to Darul Erkam Foundation for its numerous humanitarian interventions in Nigeria. He specifically highlighted the College’s consistent benefit from the Foundation’s annual distribution of sacrificial meat to the College cleaners during the Eid-el-Kabir festivities, describing it as a gesture that reflects compassion, inclusiveness, and social responsibility. He assured the delegation of the College’s full cooperation and institutional support to ensure the smooth implementation of the project.
5. Site Inspection
A major highlight of the visit was the physical inspection of the proposed project site, strategically located between the New School of Education and the New Complex of Department of Agricultural Science. The delegation was taken round the site by relevant College officials, during which technical and logistical considerations were discussed.
6. Proposed Facilities
The proposed Centre for Arabic and Islamic Studies, a gigantic edifice is envisaged as a comprehensive academic and learning facility. According to preliminary plans, the project is expected to include:
Five (5) standard classrooms
Standard Lecture Hall
Staff offices
An ICT Centre
A Language Laboratory
Students’ convenience facilities (toilets)
A Masjid
Other supporting academic and administrative facilities
The project, described as gigantic and impactful, is expected to significantly enhance teaching, learning, and research in Arabic and Islamic Studies within the College and beyond.
7. Attendance
The visit was witnessed by key members of the College management and academic community, including:
Members of the Management Team
Director of Works & his team
Head of Department, Arabic
Head of Department, Islamic Studies
Dr. Babarinde Abdul-rashid
Dr. Muhammad Adamu Jebba among others.
Their presence underscored the institutional importance attached to the project.
8. Conclusion
The visit marked a significant milestone in the actualization of the Centre for Arabic and Islamic Studies at Umaru Sanda Ahmadu College of Education, Minna. It further strengthened the partnership between the College and Darul Erkam Foundation and demonstrated a shared vision for advancing teacher education, moral development, and academic excellence. Both parties expressed optimism about the timely commencement and successful completion of the project.
... USACOE - January 23, 2026