29/04/2026
There is a growing concern that needs to be addressed with sincerity and fairness.
I recently came across a program aired by Arise TV discussing Sheikh Labeeb and his poem regarding conventional education. The poem states:
Irọ ni wọ́n pa, ìwé ò tà mọ́ ọ
Aráyé ẹ wá kéwù
Irọ ni wọ́n pa, ìwé ò tà mọ́ ọ
Aráyé ẹ wá kéwù
Which translates to:
They lied—formal education is no longer profitable;
O people, come and learn Islamic knowledge.
During the discussion, Dr. Reuben Abati asserted that this message reflects the ideology of Boko Haram. However, this conclusion appears to be both unfair and unjust.
A careful and honest assessment shows that Sheikh Labeeb’s statement does not promote any form of violent ideology. In fact, it is widely known that his own children attend conventional schools, which clearly contradicts any claim that he opposes Western education in principle.
Moreover, the sentiment expressed in the poem is not unique. Similar expressions are commonly found in society today.
That kind of rhetoric isn’t new. In many communities—Muslim and non-Muslim—you’ll hear statements like:
“School is a scam”
“Degrees don’t guarantee success”
“Learn a skill instead”
Phrases like “school is a scam” or advice encouraging young people to pursue vocational skills or entrepreneurship over formal education are widespread. These statements are generally understood as critiques of economic realities, not endorsements of extremism.
It is therefore misleading to single out Sheikh Labeeb’s words and equate them with a violent ideology.
At the same time, there is a broader issue that deserves attention. There appears to be an emerging pattern where prominent Muslim figures are repeatedly subjected to public scrutiny and media trials based on weak or exaggerated claims. Allegations are often amplified in the media without sufficient evidence, creating narratives that may not stand up to objective or legal examination.
We have seen similar situations in the past involving respected figures such as the Sultan of Sokoto and Sheikh Dr. Gumi. More recently, attention has shifted toward scholars in the southern region, including Sheikh Dawud Imran Molaasan and now Sheikh Labeeb.
This recurring trend should not be ignored.
It is important for Muslims, as well as Muslim media personalities and influencers, to remain vigilant and proactive. While constructive criticism is valid and necessary in any society, it must be grounded in fairness, context, and intellectual honesty—not in misrepresentation or sensationalism.
In conclusion, Sheikh Labeeb’s statement, when properly understood, does not constitute a call to extremism. Rather, it reflects a perspective that, whether one agrees with it or not, falls within the broader spectrum of societal discourse on education and livelihood.
