For many Nigerian families, the return to school brings more than excitement—it brings the familiar weight of school fees, books, uniforms and examination costs. But beyond meeting these expenses today lies a more important question: what happens to our children’s education if the person providing for it is no longer able to? Following our recent conversations on Waqf as a means of building self-sufficient mosques, strengthening family wealth and preserving family businesses, this edition explores Education Waqf—a powerful way to secure our children’s educational future while creating a legacy of continuous reward.

In this month’s thought-provoking piece, Abbas Adam Abba explores how families and educational institutions can harness Waqf to make education more sustainable and ensure that a child’s future does not depend solely on the continued income of a single breadwinner.

In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

Allah(swt), the Most High, says:

“Never will you attain righteousness until you spend from that which you love. And whatever you spend, indeed Allah is Knowing of it.”

(Qur’an 3:92)

This verse inspired Umar ibn Al-Khattab (RA) when he acquired a valuable piece of land in Khaybar. He went to the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) seeking advice on the best way to utilize it. The Prophet (SAW) said:

“Retain the original property and dedicate its benefits as charity.”

(Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim).

From this guidance emerged the institution of Waqf (Islamic Endowment), which continues to feed the poor and the needy, while financing mosques, hospitals, and educational institutions in different parts of the world.

Let us now reflect on the situation facing many families today.

Every year, as the month of September approaches, countless families across Nigeria experience a familiar season of anxiety.

Not because of illness.

Not because of hunger.

But because of SCHOOL FEES.

One day, a father returned home from work or his business. He found his children excited because they had completed the previous academic session and were looking forward to resuming in a new class.

But his own heart was filled with worry.

His wife handed him a pile of bills:

• School fees
• Registration fees
• Uniforms
• Books
• Exercise books
• School sandals
• Transportation
• NECO examination fees
• WAEC examination fees
• JAMB registration fees
• TAHFIZ graduation expenses.

He remained silent.

While the children celebrated with excitement, tears filled their father’s eyes.

At this time of the year, many parents begin to experience severe stress, and some even suffer from high blood pressure because they simply do not know how they will pay these educational expenses. The Daily Trust newspaper of 1 August 2026 highlighted how the rising cost of education is placing enormous pressure on Nigerian families.

An Important Question:

1. What happens if this father dies?

2. What if he retires?

3. What if his business collapses?

4. What if he loses his job?

In many cases, the consequences are heartbreaking:

• Children are forced to drop out of school.
• Some cannot afford to sit for WAEC or NECO examinations.
• Others lose the opportunity to enter university because they cannot pay admission or registration fees.
• The educational dreams of the entire family collapse within a very short time.

Sadly, even in wealthy families, once the breadwinner dies, many children discontinue their education within one or two years because there is no sustainable financial system to support them.(I am an eye witness because of being a school proprietor for decades).

Is There a Solution?

YES.

The solution is Education Waqf (Educational Endowment).

The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said:

“When a person dies, all his deeds come to an end except three: ongoing charity (Sadaqah Jariyah), beneficial knowledge, or a righteous child who prays for him.”

(Sahih Muslim)

Reflect carefully upon this hadith.

Education Waqf combines two of these three lasting rewards at the same time: ongoing charity through Waqf and beneficial knowledge through education.

Therefore, establishing a Waqf to support children’s education is among the greatest investments for continuous reward after death.