THE NATION THURSDAY, JULY 9, 2015
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CAMPUS LIFE
‘Islam is not against organ transplant’
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SSOCIATION of Muslim Health Students of the Usmanu Danfodiyo University in Sokoto (UDUS) has organised a public lecture with the theme: Organ transplant: Medical, legal and Islamic perspective. The event was held at the auditorium and it was chaired by Dr Anas Ahmad Sabir, chairman of the Medical Advisory Committee of Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital (UDUTH). The lecturer was attended by lecturers including, Mallam Ibrahim Gambo of the Faculty of Law, Dr Ahmed Maigari, Mallam Dahiru Shuni and Mallam A.S. Mainiyo all from Islamic Studies Department. There were also students at the event. Dr Adullahi Abdulwahab Ahmed of the Department of Surgery in UDUTH gave a medical perspective on the theme, saying the society has a role to encourage organ transplant by making effort to increase public awareness and dispel misconception. He said voluntary donation of organs by healthy people would help in saving the lives of people with defective organs. Dr Kabir Muhammed of the Faculty of Law spoke on the legal perspective, tracing the history of organ transplantation from prehistoric times in India and Egypt. He said organ transplantation, when done without seeking due consent of the donor, could amount to unlawful
From Halimah Akanbi,
UDUS
infringement of the donor’s right to dignity. Supported his claim with Section 34 of the 1999 Constitution, Muhammed said Section 48 of the National Health Act of 2014 made provision for consent of the donor as a pre-requisite to organ donation. “The donor must fully understand the consequences of his consent to donate,” he said. Speaking from Islamic perspective, Dr Abdullahi Raji of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, said human beings were enjoined to use their wisdom to solve problems. He quoted a tradition of Prophet Mohammad, who said Allah did not make a disease without a remedy for it, except old age. Raji said there was no direct provision in Shariah Law that permits transplantation, but said it could be inferred from logical reasoning since organ transplant has objective to save life. He mentioned Islamic maxims that support organ transplant, saying the deeds should be judged by their goals and purpose. To back his claims, Raji cited Chapter 5 Vs 32 of the Qur’an, which says: “If anyone saves a life, it will be as if he has saved the lives of all the people.” Dr Aminu Bala of the Islamic Studies Department said it was haram (illegal) to sell organs or transfer organs on which life depends. He mentioned organs, such as heart and those that are not replaceable. The Amir (president) of Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria (MSSN), UDUS chapter, Mallam Rabiu Barau, urged participants to spread the message of the lecture and advised them maintain spiritual cleanliness.
On and Off Campus By Solomon Izekor 08061522600
•The students’ leaders taking the oath
Osun students inaugurate leaders
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HE University of Ilorin (UNILORIN) chapter of the National Association of Osun State Students (NAOSS) has sworn in new leaders after its election at the Faculty of Law. The election was conducted by a five-man electoral committee led by Abdulrahman Ishola. After the keenly contested election, Abideen Olasupo was announced president. Members saw the emergence of Abideen, a Google Ambassador, as good omen for the association, given the new president’s background in Information and Communication Technology (ICT). After he took the oath, Abideen said the association would waste no time in carrying out its projects, promising to organise entrepreneurship summit, Freshers’ Oratory Contest and improve online presence association, among others. He said: “I am ready to reform the association, using innovation as compass to
‘Students must create wealth’ THE Special Adviser on Youth and Sports to Oyo State Governor, Mr Ganiyu Fawole, has advised students to change their mentality of making money from participating in volunteer activities. Fawole said many youths may not achieve their aims if they did not stop thinking about how to make money without learning ways to generate it. He was speaking at an induction held for members of All Nigeria United Nations Students and Youth Association (ANUNSA) at The Ibarapa Polytechnic in Eruwa, Oyo State. Fawole said students must learn how to generate money to contribute to economic growth. He said: “As ambassadors, you are under training to represent United Nations. In doing so, you need to be trained properly to make you boldly. You may live in Eruwa but you have status that is recognised all over the world.” Advising the students to change their men-
From Aminat Afolabi,
UNILORIN achieve the aim. NAOSS cannot be left behind in the 21st century when the efficacy of globalisation can be felt by all. I will encourage every member to make positive contribution towards the development of our state. The era of nonchalant attitude of members of executive is over. Each of us will give report of our stewardship of office regularly.” He praised his predecessor, Tajudeen Lamidi, for the achievement recorded by in the past year, promising to consolidate the gains. Abideen extended hand of fellowship to his opponent, urging for support in moving the association to another level. Tajudeen urged the new leaders to be hardworking and responsive to the welfare of members. From Elizabeth Ogunjimi
IBPOLY tality on wealth creation, he said: “Talk to your heart and change your thoughts. If you find yourself doing what you are not good in, look inward and discover yourself. I am a civil engineer but I cannot draw. I know how to mobilise, coordinate and organise people.” President of the association, Nnenna Ukoha, said the body would continue to groom students for change. She said: “As members of ANUNSA, the inductees are expected to lead cultured, dignified and outstanding life. It is a thing of joy to bring together leaders and groom them for the service of humanity. The reward should not be expected immediately but later.” The association’s Staff Adviser, Mr Carim Abiola, advised the inductees to contribute positively to the society. The highpoint was the oath-taking session, after which the association’s General Secretary, Ajoke Olasanmi, urged the inductees to be good role models to their colleagues.
Is same sex marriage practicable in Nigeria? •Continued from page 35
riage. So, what America has done is a blessing in disguise, a reminder that the world has reached its limits as eternity beckons. The traditional belief in Judaism, Christianity and Islam that God forbids homosexuality evident in the Old Testament where the entire city of Sodom and Gomorrah basked in untold depravity. In clear terms, the Bible admonished in Leviticus 18:20 that “you shall not lie with male as one lie with a female; it is an abomination.” In the QuranQ7, 80-82, we see reference to homosexuality in the story of Lot. Lot said to his people, “You commit such an abomination; no one in the world has done it before.
You practice sex with the men instead of the women. Indeed, you are a transgressing people. With this plethora of injunctions, one can safely say that same sex marriage and homosexually are prohibited by God. Minds may think about the possibility of such a bill to be sponsored in our legislature. If it escapes the readings, what could be the reaction of our new president? The MuhammaduBuahari I know will certainly make a volte-face. He is known as a disciplined, religious and well cultured African man. In this regard, if anyone is going to legalise gay marriage in Nigeria, it just won’t be him. Ganiu, 200-Level English, UNILAG