Malaysia has shown keen interest in collaborating with Nigeria in the fields of religion and Islamic education. This development was highlighted over the weekend during the visit of His Royal Highness, the acting King of the State of Perlis in Malaysia and Regent of Perlis, Tuanku Syed Faizuddin Putra Jamalullail, to Nigeria.
In a welcome address at the Malaysian High Commission in Abuja, the High Commissioner of Malaysia to Nigeria, Aiyub Bin Omar, underscored the significance of the Regent’s visit. He remarked that the visit aims to advance bilateral relations and foster an atmosphere of mutual understanding and collaboration between the Islamic communities of both nations.
“His Highness came to Nigeria at the invitation of His Eminence, the Sultan of Sokoto, His Majesty Sultan Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III,” said Omar. “This visit also aims to promote the State of Perlis as it seeks to expand its educational outreach. The State is eager to attract foreign students and scholars.”
During his visit, the Regent met with the Sultan of Sokoto and engaged in robust discussions with Islamic scholars and the Center of Islamic Studies. They exchanged information on religious issues and the Sokoto Caliphate. The Regent also delivered a public lecture at the University of Abuja, engaging with students and professors on the topic of fabricated hadiths.
Omar emphasized that this historic visit not only solidifies diplomatic ties but also creates significant opportunities for Nigerian Islamic students interested in studying in Malaysia. Scholarships from the State of Perlis will further strengthen academic collaboration and bilateral agreements between the two nations.
The visit also included engagements with the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs. The Regent discussed with government officials how to foster synergy and knowledge transfer through educational programs and cultural exchanges, aiming to enhance educational standards and diplomacy.
At the Nasrul-Lahi-il Fathi Society of Nigeria (NASFAT), His Royal Highness Syed awarded five scholarships to Nigerian students for studies at Kolej Universiti Islam Perlis (KUIPs). This gesture underscores his commitment to strengthening diplomatic ties and academic collaboration. Additionally, a donation of RM 200,000 (approximately NGN 68,000,000) was made for the construction of a mosque in Ibadan through the Al-Mawwadah Charity Foundation, further demonstrating his dedication to the Islamic cause in Nigeria.
The envoy expressed hopes that the royal visit would encourage Nigerians to explore opportunities for tourism and business in Perlis.
