Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria Celebrates Five New Radiographers
The Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria (MSSN), Lagos State Area Unit, has celebrated the achievement of five of its members who were among the 25 newly inducted radiographers at the College of Medicine, University of Lagos (CMUL). The induction and oath-taking ceremony for the class of 2022 in the Radiography Department took place on Tuesday, July 22, at the College’s Old Great Hall. The event marked a significant milestone for the graduates, who have overcome numerous challenges during their academic journey.
Among the newly inducted radiographers are Rabiu Kolapo Abdullateef, Salaudeen Abdulhamid, Qasim Abdullateef, Adewole Jubril, Ishola Khafilat, Asiyat Abdulkareem, and Maryam Sangodoyin. These individuals graduated with first-class honours, with Maryam Sangodoyin emerging as the third-best graduating student. Following the ceremony, families, friends, and members of the Muslim Students Body gathered at the LUTH/ CMUL Central Mosque to honor the new professionals.
A Journey of Resilience and Faith
Maryam Sangodoyin, the third-best graduate, described her graduation as “surreal and amazing,” attributing her success to Allah, supportive friends, and family. She emphasized that her five-year programme extended to nine years due to various challenges, including a diploma programme, the COVID-19 pandemic, and ASUU strikes. Despite these obstacles, she expressed gratitude for the opportunity to grow and learn.
Reflecting on her journey, Maryam shared how her passion for radiography was sparked by a career talk during her secondary school years. As an avid Hijab wearer since childhood, she highlighted the spiritual grounding provided by MSSN. “MSSN reminded me of my purpose to worship Allah in all that I do,” she said. Looking ahead, she plans to complete her internship and align her career path with Allah’s guidance.
Serving the Muslim Community Through Radiography
Asiyat AbdulKareem, a former “One-Day Commissioner for Education in Lagos State” and a symbol of faith and resilience, expressed excitement after completing her long academic journey. She emphasized the importance of radiography as a unique and lucrative medical course, particularly for Muslim women. “Radiography is a way to serve other Muslim women, especially in procedures like trans-vaginal ultrasound,” she explained.
Asiyat, who won a historic hijab court case against the Lagos State Government in 2022, recounted how her programme extended from five to eight years due to the pandemic and other unforeseen delays. She hopes to intern at Chevron or other reputable institutions and later specialize in radiation therapy. She also stressed the importance of support systems, stating, “There is always light at the end of the tunnel. A strong support system cannot be overemphasized.”
Gratitude and Future Ambitions
Rabiu Kolapo Abdullateef, who gained admission in 2017, expressed gratitude for completing his eight-year journey. He noted that challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic, ASUU strikes, and accreditation delays extended his programme by two years. He looks forward to starting his internship and gaining hands-on clinical experience, which he described as “the next step into professional life.”
Encouraging More Muslim Radiographers
At the ceremony, Amir (President) of MSSN Lagos, Mal. Kamildeen Abiona, congratulated the inductee radiographers and urged them to be exemplary ambassadors of Islam. He expressed happiness at the growing number of Muslim women entering the profession and appealed to parents to encourage their children to study radiography.
Abiona highlighted the need for more Muslim radiographers, noting that the current representation of females in the field is still low. He encouraged the new and existing professionals to serve as mentors and promote radiography awareness among secondary school students. “Let them create a chain of future radiographers,” he advised.
A Call for Excellence and Integrity
Also speaking at the event, the Coordinator, MSSN MAC for CMUL LUTH Muslim Students, Abdulroqib Bello, rejoiced with the graduates, saying, “Every beginning has an end, every end is a new beginning.” Bello, a 600-level Medicine and Surgery student, prayed for the graduates to gain strength as they transition into a new phase.
He emphasized the importance of being upright, dedicated, and responsible professionals. “The world needs upright, dedicated and responsible professionals. Be one at all costs; be a good ambassador of Islam wherever you are,” he said. He also urged the upcoming graduates to maintain excellence and integrity, reminding them to never lose sight of Allah.
“Once again, I congratulate my brethren. This is the beginning of greatness bi idhniLlah. The world awaits,” he added.
