The Perspectives of Contemporary Islamic Scholars on Muslim Females’ Participation in Higher Institutions in Sokoto State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study examined the perspectives of contemporary Islamic scholars on Muslim females’ participation in higher institutions in Sokoto State, Nigeria. The study was guided by two research questions. A qualitative research design was used. The population comprised 180 contemporary Islamic scholars in Sokoto State, from which 123 scholars were selected for the quantitative component using proportionate and simple random sampling techniques, while 12 scholars were purposively selected for qualitative interviews. Data was collected using the researcher-developed titled; Contemporary Islamic Scholars’ Interview Guide (CISIG-MFPIHI). The questionnaire had a content validity index of 0.90 and Cronbach’s alpha reliability coefficient of 0.88. Qualitative data were analyzed thematically using NVivo. The findings revealed that the Islamic foundation was predominantly supportive of Muslim females’ acquisition of beneficial knowledge, although participation was conditional upon Islamic values, modesty, moral conduct and religious obligations. The study established a high extent of support for Muslim females’ participation in higher institutions. The study concluded that contemporary Islamic scholars generally supported female higher education when pursued within an Islamic-compatible environment.