Tomiwa Haruna is widely regarded as a symbol of academic excellence and selfless leadership. But beyond the glowing reputation lies a story of persistence, pressure, and purpose. In this exclusive interview, Al-Faaedah Press Organization uncovers the real challenges behind his academic journey, his eye-opening experience in the United States, and the milestones that have marked his path as a student leader.

Al-Faaedah press: YOU’VE EARNED A REPUTATION FOR BEING RESPONSIBLE, SELFLESS, AND DEEPLY COMMITTED, WHERE DOES THAT SENSE OF DUTY AND DRIVE COME FROM?

The response to this question would be in two parts.

First, my sense of duty stems from something I have come to recognise as a blessing from Allah, and that is the strength/”energy” He has given me. I believe this strength/”energy” is not without purpose. It’s meant to be used positively for myself, to help others, and to take initiative when there’s a need. I often think, if I don’t do it, others will. That thought helps me in carrying out my responsibilities effectively.

As for my drive, it comes from a deep reliance on Allah’s promise. In the Holy Qur’an, Allah says: “If you do good, you do good for your own selves, and if you do evil, you do it against yourselves…” (Qur’an 17:7). This verse reminds me that whatever I do, whether good or bad, ultimately reflects back on me. That keeps me motivated to always strive for what is right and beneficial.



MANY KNEW YOU FROM YOUR EARLY DAYS AS “IMAM SHAFI’I.” WHAT’S THE STORY BEHIND THAT NAME, AND HOW HAS IT SHAPED YOUR JOURNEY ON CAMPUS?

Ohh. My name is Shafii’i, as in Muhammadu Shafii’i (Shefiu) but because of the closeness in the pronunciation of the name to that of the great Islamic Scholar, Imam Shafii (Rahimahullah), people, deliberately and unintentionally started calling me that whether as a name or a nickname. If I could remember, it started from my days as a Class 1 student at the Center of Learning (COL) of MSSN UI and with the Indy Hall Ummah. On how it shaped my journey on campus, I would say Alhamdulilah.

BALANCING LEADERSHIP ROLES AND ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE ISN’T EASY. HOW DID YOU MANAGE TO STAY GROUNDED AND PRODUCTIVE THROUGH IT ALL?

First, I thank Allah for the gift of my parents, my families, my friends, my lecturers, the Indy Hall Ummah, MSSN UI, and MSSN AAC, as they have all played meaningful and supportive roles in my life. Second, I can only say that I tried my best and gave it my all, and by Allah’s mercy, those efforts were blessed. Third, I must humbly add that I am still learning and striving, and I am not yet as grounded as you mentioned.



TELL US ABOUT A MOMENT WHEN YOUR FAITH WAS SERIOUSLY TESTED; WHAT HAPPENED, AND HOW DID YOU COME OUT STRONGER?

Oh, I can clearly remember a moment during my U.S. visa application stage. It was truly a  test of faith, but I relied on Allah.

Normally, to secure a U.S. visa appointment, a wait time of approximately 3 months after applying for the visa is required in Nigeria.

However, I had less than 2 months before the program started, which was less than the wait time (3 months) after applying for a visa. The only option I had was to request an emergency appointment. This entails directing a letter to the embassy telling them my situation and the importance of the program in my life.

My friend, Alao Lukmon, who was also selected for the program, and I submitted our emergency appointment requests around the same time. During the waiting time for the embassy’s feedback,  Lukmon called that his request had been approved. I was genuinely happy for him and was hopeful that mine would come soon.

A few days later, I received the sad news that mine had been denied. I was heartbroken 😞.

I informed the Office of the International Program of the host university, and they supported me by writing a letter to the embassy, but nothing changed.

This period was shortly after the 2024 Ramadan, so I started thinking – could this be because of my shortcomings? Were my prayers not answered? Would I miss this opportunity completely? But amidst all those thoughts, I began to reassure myself that Allah had his reasons. After that, my prayer was only asking Allah to do the best for me.

My family, lecturers, and friends supported me with encouragement and prayers. I also shared my story with my hall Imam (Imam Ridwan), who reassured me that Allah always has a purpose behind every delay or disappointment.

Lukmon, may Allah bless him, kept telling me: “We are going together.” His words and faith also inspired me.

During that time, I was continuously  reassuring myself that Almighty Allah had his reasons, and as time passed, I slowly stopped worrying and left the matter to Allah completely.

Alhamdulillah, about three weeks to the program, I received the joyful news that my emergency appointment was approved.

I would say this experience taught me to trust Allah’s timing, even when things feel uncertain. It made my faith stronger, and I emerged with deeper gratitude, patience, and clarity about how Allah plans better than we can imagine.

YOU’VE BEEN INVOLVED IN SEVERAL LEADERSHIP POSITIONS LIKE COSSMUS AND MOSQUE MANAGEMENT. WHAT LESSONS DID THESE ROLES TEACH YOU ABOUT LEADERSHIP, PEOPLE, AND PRESSURE?


Being involved in leadership roles such as COSSMUS and managing the affairs of Indy Hall Mosque taught me valuable lessons about responsibility, empathy, and resilience.

As the Chairman of COSSMUS, I had the opportunity to lead meetings and discussions, coordinate members from diverse backgrounds and departments, address concerns, and promote unity. This experience significantly enhanced my communication, presentation, leadership, and interpersonal skills. Although I didn’t know most of my committee members at first, over time, we bonded and became a family.

There were times I had to take on tasks myself due to the unavailability of the members responsible. Through this, I learnt that leadership isn’t about giving orders but about serving, supporting others, listening, and creating an environment where everyone can thrive. These experiences taught me that emotional intelligence and patience are just as vital as decision-making.

They also taught me how to manage pressure, especially when I had to balance leadership responsibilities with academic deadlines. This helped me become more organised and focused.

Altogether, these experiences shaped my confidence, made me a more effective individual, and helped me understand that true leadership is about uplifting others, especially during challenging moments.


DURING YOUR TIME AS THE ASSETS MAINTENANCE OFFICER, YOU INTRODUCED INNOVATIVE CHANGES TO THE INDY HALL MOSQUE. WHAT INSPIRED THOSE PROJECTS, AND WHAT CHALLENGES DID YOU FACE?


My inspiration came from a love for technical innovations and, most importantly, a desire to improve the mosque environment for the benefit of the Ummah. I wanted the mosque to be more comfortable, functional, and spiritually uplifting.

The major challenge I faced was the lack of funds. Most of the projects I envisioned required resources beyond what was available at the time. However, I found creative ways to meet urgent needs with the resources at our disposal while planning for longer-term solutions.

This experience taught me how to work with limited resources, think resourcefully, and stay committed to service even when progress was gradual.



YOU’RE KNOWN AS THE GO-TO GUY FOR CLASS PROJECTS, OFTEN SUPPORTING OTHERS FINANCIALLY WITHOUT SEEKING CREDIT. WHAT MOTIVATES THIS LEVEL OF SACRIFICE?

As I said earlier, it comes from the deep reliance on Allah’s promise in the Holy Quran –

” If you do good, you do good for your own selves, and if you do evil, you do it against yourselves …” (Qur’an 17:7).

HOW DID THAT INTERNATIONAL OPPORTUNITY, ONCE IT CAME THROUGH, CHANGE YOUR VIEW OF THE WORLD AND OF YOURSELF?

The internship opportunity completely broadened my view of the world. I saw how deeply science and sustainability are embedded in education and industry in other parts of the world. I also saw how research can help address global challenges such as climate change, waste management, and sustainability and how even small, focused studies can have far-reaching impacts.

Personally, it shifted how I saw myself. I realised I could contribute meaningfully in global spaces and that, bi idhnillah, I can achieve anything I set my mind to. The exposure boosted my confidence, sharpened my curiosity, and made me more intentional about pursuing a graduate degree in Wood Products Engineering.

THERE WAS A SEMESTER YOU WERE HANDLING COSSMUS, ACADEMICS, AND EXAMS ALL AT ONCE, YET YOU MADE A 4.0 GPA. WHAT MINDSET OR SYSTEM HELPED YOU SUCCEED UNDER SUCH PRESSURE?


That semester taught me the power of intentionality and balance. I used a structured schedule to manage my time, broke tasks into smaller goals, and stayed focused on my purpose both in academics and in service through COSSMUS. With discipline, planning, and trust in Allah, I was able to give my best on all fronts and maintain a 4.0 GPA.


DESPITE ALL YOUR ACHIEVEMENTS, YOU COULDN’T FINISH YOUR FINAL YEAR PROJECT ON TIME. WHAT DID THAT TEACH YOU ABOUT SUCCESS, TIMING, AND PERSONAL GROWTH?

I didn’t finish my final year project then because the project timeline spans the entire session and that I still had more time remaining beyond that half semester.

WHAT HAS CHANGED THE MOST IN YOU FROM 100 LEVEL TILL NOW, PERSONALLY, SPIRITUALLY, AND INTELLECTUALLY?

Personally, I have grown in many ways. Over the years, I have developed leadership, communication, interpersonal, and presentation skills through various roles and experiences. These have made me more confident and effective in engaging with people and taking responsibility.

Spiritually, I have experienced significant growth through MSSN AAC, MSSN UI, and particularly from MSSN UI Center of Learning (COL) and the Indy Hall Ummah. I have gained deeper knowledge of my deen, improved my understanding of key concepts, and memorized more pages of the Qur’an and beneficial sayings. At some point, even my secondary school friends joked, “When did Tomiwa become an Alfa?” 😊

Intellectually, I’ve also made progress. My thinking has become sharper, I approach problems more critically, and I now see learning as something beyond exams and as a tool for impact and lifelong growth.

LOOKING BACK AT YOUR JOURNEY IN MSSN, LEADERSHIP, AND CAMPUS LIFE, WHAT MOMENT STANDS OUT TO YOU AS YOUR PROUDEST MOMENT?


I would say my proudest achievement is developing and strengthening the habit of striving to be in the company of the righteous and purpose-driven people. Alhamdulillah, that shift has shaped my values, mindset, and the kind of life I now aim to lead.


WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO STUDENTS WHO WANT TO BE ACTIVE, EFFECTIVE, AND EXCELLENT BUT CONSTANTLY FEEL OVERWHELMED?


I would advise that such students first ask Allah for help through patience and prayer and should have trust in Allah that he only grants success to our pursuits.

Second, they should always remember their ultimate purpose on earth as well as their academic purpose on campus – to gain knowledge, get good grades, and earn meaningful qualifications.

Finally, they should be intentional about attaining success by planning their time effectively, prioritizing tasks, studying smart, and surrounding themselves with purpose-driven friends.


FINALLY, WHAT DO YOU WANT TO BE REMEMBERED FOR NOT JUST AS “IMAM SHAFI’I,” BUT AS A BROTHER, A CLASSMATE, AND A SERVANT OF ALLAH?


I want to be remembered as someone who sincerely cared about people, the Ummah, and doing things the right way. Not just “Imam Shafi’i,” but as a brother who was approachable, dependable, and always willing to serve even behind the scenes.

I hope people remember me as someone who tried to combine excellence with humility, someone who struggled for Allah’s sake sincerely, who fell but kept rising, and who lived with purpose, not just ambition.

If, by Allah’s mercy, I was able to help even one person feel closer to their Lord or stay focused on their goals, then that would be enough for me.

IS THERE ANYONE YOU’D LIKE TO APPRECIATE FOR THEIR SUPPORT AND ADVICE?

I am using this medium to express my sincere appreciation for the love, support, and valuable advice shown to me by the following brothers:

Bro. Asimiyu Ibrahim – One of the first brothers Allah blessed me with in UI. A constant adviser and dependable supporter.

Bro. Abdulrahman Hamzat – One of my biggest supporters and motivators throughout my journey.

May Allah reward you abundantly and continue to strengthen our brotherhood. Aameen.