By Ibrahim Kegbegbe
In a significant educational milestone, Markaz Arabic and Islamic Institute, Agege, Lagos, has received full accreditation from the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) to offer National Diploma programmes in Combined Law (Sharia and Common Law) and in Common Law.
The announcement came following a successful resource verification exercise conducted by the NBTE to assess the institution’s academic and infrastructural readiness for legal studies.
The Mudeer (Provost) of Markaz, Mawlana Sheikh Muhammed Habibullah Adam Abdullah El-Ilory (OON), described the development as a step towards fulfilling the vision of the institution’s founder, the late Sheikh Adam Abdullah El-Ilory.
“Markaz was founded with the aim of integrating sound Islamic education with contemporary knowledge,” he said. “The approval to offer National Diplomas in Legal Studies aligns perfectly with the legacy of Sheikh Adam El-Ilory who believed in promoting the understanding of Islam and the Qur’an through all legitimate educational means. Since the Qur’an is the primary source of Islamic law, the inclusion of Sharia and Common Law in our curriculum is both timely and necessary.”
The NBTE team reportedly inspected several key facilities before granting approval, including the institution’s resource library, lecture halls, Moot Court, clinic, ICT Centre, Conference Room, Digital Technology and Language Laboratory, Seminar Hall, Indoor Sports Hall, and student hostels.
The new legal programmes aim to serve not only students of Markaz but also graduates of other Arabic and Islamic schools across Nigeria who desire to pursue further education in Islamic and secular legal systems—without compromising their faith or lifestyle.
“This initiative will bridge the gap for many Muslim students who have long sought opportunities to combine their Islamic educational background with formal legal training,” Sheikh Habibullah added.
Admission into the newly approved programmes will be through the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) administered by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB). Applicants must also meet the requisite O’level qualifications from recognized examination bodies such as WAEC, NECO, GCE, or NBAIS.
Sheikh Habibullah emphasized that Markaz remains committed to excellence, discipline, and moral uprightness. “We are building not just professionals, but upright individuals who will use their knowledge of both Sharia and civil law to serve humanity.”
The landmark approval has been hailed by Muslim scholars, parents, and educational stakeholders as a major leap for the Islamic education sector in Nigeria, offering a credible bridge between Islamic legal tradition and modern law.
