A university don, Prof. Juwairiya Badamasuiy, has urged the federal, state and local governments to adopt Waqf (Islamic endowment) as a tool to address Nigeria’s social challenges.
At a lecture organised by the El-Birru Organised Sociation of Nigeria (EMAN) in Abuja on Saturday, Badamasuiy said Waqf could complement government’s efforts to reduce poverty and improve social welfare.
She said many communities continue to face poverty, unemployment, inadequate housing, limited access to education and poor healthcare, adding that income generated from Waqf assets could be channelled into food assistance, microfinance, skills acquisition, education, healthcare and small business support.
“Such assistance can fund food programmes, microfinance initiatives, skills acquisition schemes, educational development, healthcare delivery and economic empowerment through employment opportunities and support for small businesses,” she said.
According to her, the Islamic endowment system aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals by supporting poverty reduction, food security, quality education, improved healthcare, job creation and efforts to reduce inequality.
Badamasuiy explained that Waqf dates back to the time of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.), when Muslims permanently dedicated lawful and valuable assets for charitable purposes while preserving the original property.
“The corpus of the asset remains intact, while its benefits or proceeds are utilised for charitable Shariah-compliant purposes such as religion or public welfare,” she stated.
She called for stronger legal and institutional frameworks to enhance the practice in Nigeria, including the enactment of Waqf laws, the professional management of Waqf institutions, greater transparency through technology, and the investment of Waqf assets in halal and sustainable ventures.
She also advocated collaboration among government agencies, non-governmental organisations, and private organisations to strengthen the administration of Waqf anationwide
