Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Saád Abubakar has advocated for an unrestricted access to education for youth, to enhance peace, harmony and progress in Nigeria.

Abubakar gave the advice in a message to the opening of the 98th Islamic Vacation Course organised by the Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria (MSSN) on Friday in Ibadan.

Represented by Prof. Dawud Noibi, Executive Secretary, Muslim Ummah of South West Nigeria, the Sultan said unfettered access to education must remain the priority of any government, to ensure a brighter future for Nigerian youth and the country.

He also advised leaders in the country to always be guided in their actions by the fear of God.

Abubakar urged Muslims to remain patient in the face of the challenges facing the nation, reminding them of Allah’s saying that “every hardship comes with a relief.”

“I urge you all to stay away from evil company. Do not allow anyone to lure you into engaging in any kind of action that could compromise the security of the nation.

“As you are aware, our religion, Islam, stands for peace, so let’s remain peaceful, so that we may live a peaceful life here and be accommodated in the Home of Peace in the life to come’’, he said.

The Sultan, who is also the President-General, Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), congratulated the MSSN for its educational programmes for the youth and prayed for its continued success.

Earlier, the National President of the Society, Sirajudeen Abdulazeez called on Muslim students to join in salvaging the country from total collapse.

“We should stand up courageously and wrestle power from those ruling us recklessly.

“We should be bold to tell those who are traumatising and threatening our future that come 2015 we will vote them out’’, he said.

Abdulazeez also urged all Muslims to obtain their voters card and participate actively in the forthcoming general election.

In a remark, the MSSN B-Zone Coordinator, Alhaji Mushafau Alaran called on the past leaders of the group to contribute towards the development of its permanent site.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that goodwill messages were received from the representatives of the governors of Lagos, Ogun, Oyo and Osun states.

Over 10,000 students are participating in the 10-day vacation course which involves leadership training, lectures and seminar.