Journal of Regional Development and Technology Initiatives
JRDTI is an international multidisciplinary journal that encompasses topics of regional development, business management, technology and initiatives. The ultimate objective of this journal is to disseminate knowledge for improving regional business development and technology practices. This journal also aims to strengthen the theoretical base for supporting policy and initiatives... About journal • insight • editorial team • APC • indexing
Beyond Islamic FinTech: A Decentralized Waqf Finance Ecosystem for Green Venture Capital in Emerging Muslim Economies
Green entrepreneurship in emerging Muslim economies faces persistent financing constraints arising from high perceived investment risks, limited availability of patient capital, underdeveloped green-finance markets, and restricted access to early-stage venture financing. Although decentralized finance (DeFi) has introduced blockchain-enabled mechanisms for broadening financial participation and improving the efficiency of capital mobilization, its potential integration with Shar??ah-compliant Islamic social finance remains insufficiently explored. This study addresses this gap by proposing a DeFi–Waqf Green Venture Financing Ecosystem that positions digital waqf as a catalytic source of patient capital within a decentralized architecture for financing environmentally sustainable ventures. The study adopts a qualitative conceptual research design based on a systematic review and thematic synthesis of interdisciplinary literature on DeFi, blockchain technology, digital waqf, Islamic finance, sustainable finance, green entrepreneurship, and venture capital. The analytical framework draws upon Maq??id al-Shar??ah, Islamic social finance principles, and sustainable-finance perspectives to examine the institutional and technological conditions required for an ethically grounded decentralized financing ecosystem. The proposed framework integrates tokenized waqf assets, smart contracts, decentralized autonomous organizations (DAOs), blockchain-based transparency mechanisms, and complementary Islamic financing instruments to facilitate the mobilization, governance, and allocation of capital to green ventures. Waqf is conceptualized not merely as a charitable endowment but as a potentially catalytic and perpetual source of mission-aligned capital capable of reducing financing barriers for early-stage sustainable enterprises. Tokenization may broaden participation in waqf-supported investment ecosystems, while smart contracts can support transparent contractual arrangements, automated administration, and accountable distribution mechanisms, subject to appropriate legal, regulatory, technological, and Shar??ah governance. The study extends existing Islamic FinTech scholarship by moving beyond applications focused primarily on payments, crowdfunding, and administrative digitalization toward the institutional integration of decentralized finance, Islamic social finance, and green venture capital. The resulting framework demonstrates how waqf can serve as an institutional bridge between philanthropic capital, private investment, technological innovation, and climate-oriented entrepreneurship in emerging Muslim economies. The study contributes theoretically by connecting Islamic social finance with decentralized financial architecture and sustainable venture financing, and practically by identifying governance and policy considerations for regulators, waqf institutions, Islamic financial institutions, technology providers, investors, and green entrepreneurs. It concludes that a carefully governed DeFi–Waqf ecosystem could provide a promising complementary mechanism for mobilizing patient, ethical, and sustainability-oriented capital while advancing the broader objectives of inclusive economic development, environmental stewardship, and the Maq??id al-Shar??ah.
Copyright (c) 2026 Adamu Abubakar Muhammad, Ahmad Babikir, Bala Babangida, Muhammad Uba Babayo, Abdullah A. Afifi, Muhammadu Sani Abubakar https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0
Shariah Compliance Business Institutions (SCBI): A Research Agenda for the Real Sector
Shariah compliance has become a central theme in Islamic economic research, particularly through the development of Islamic financial institutions. Over the past four decades, extensive scholarly attention has been devoted to shariah governance, auditing, regulatory frameworks, and compliance mechanisms in Islamic banking, takaful, sukuk, and other financial services. While these contributions have significantly advanced the institutionalisation of shariah within the financial sector, they have also narrowed the conceptual scope of shariah compliance by predominantly associating it with financial institutions and procedural conformity. This contrasts with the rapid expansion of the Islamic economy into the real sector, including manufacturing, healthcare, education, logistics, agriculture, retail, digital enterprises, and small and medium-sized enterprises, where the concept of institution-wide shariah compliance remains theoretically underdeveloped. This conceptual paper argues that the next frontier of shariah compliance research lies beyond Islamic finance and requires the establishment of Shariah Compliance Business Institutions (SCBI) as a distinct research domain. Rather than viewing shariah compliance merely as certification, regulatory conformity, or periodic audit outcomes, the paper reconceptualises it as an organisational phenomenon through which shariah principles become institutionalised within governance, strategic decision-making, operations, organisational behaviour, and stakeholder relationships. This perspective shifts the unit of analysis from financial transactions and financial institutions to business organisations operating across the real sector. Drawing upon a narrative review and conceptual synthesis of the literature, the paper identifies the limitations of existing research, defines the concept of SCBI, and proposes a research agenda encompassing conceptualisation, theoretical development, institutionalisation, measurement, implementation, and organisational outcomes. Rather than presenting a completed theory, this paper establishes the intellectual foundation for SCBI as an emerging field of inquiry and provides a platform for future theoretical and empirical research within Islamic business, management, and organisational studies.
Copyright (c) 2025 Abdullah A. Afifi https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0
Implementing the Merdeka Curriculum in Chemistry Learning Through Tutoring: A Qualitative Study at Madrasah Aliyah Darul Funun El Abbassiyyah
The implementation of the Merdeka Curriculum emphasizes differentiated learning that accommodates students' diverse abilities, interests, and learning needs. In chemistry education, this approach is particularly important because students often experience difficulties in understanding abstract concepts that require strong conceptual reasoning. This study aims to examine the implementation of the Merdeka Curriculum in chemistry learning through a tutoring program at Madrasah Aliyah Darul Funun El Abbassiyyah. A descriptive qualitative research design was employed to provide an in-depth description of the implementation process. The study used the researcher as the primary research instrument, while data were collected through classroom observations and interviews. The collected data were analyzed descriptively by identifying and interpreting phenomena related to the implementation of tutoring in chemistry learning. The findings reveal that students possess diverse levels of academic ability, learning interests, and talents, requiring instructional approaches that extend beyond regular classroom teaching. The school implements an additional tutoring program outside regular instructional hours to provide more personalized guidance according to students' characteristics and academic potential. Through this program, teachers are able to identify students' competencies, monitor their conceptual understanding of chemistry, and facilitate the development of their interests and talents. The tutoring activities also support students' preparation for academic competitions, including the National Science Olympiad (OSN) and the Madrasah Science Competition (KSM), where students have achieved notable accomplishments. These findings indicate that tutoring serves as an effective strategy for implementing the principles of the Merdeka Curriculum by supporting differentiated instruction and optimizing students' academic development. The study concludes that integrating tutoring into chemistry learning provides meaningful opportunities for identifying and developing students' competencies, interests, and talents, while strengthening the implementation of the Merdeka Curriculum in the Madrasah context.
Copyright (c) 2025 Ratna Furi, Abdullah A. Afifi, Mona Eliza https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0
Crowdfunding Meets Islamic Social Finance: Integrating Zakah, Waqf, Sadaqah, and FinTech for Sustainable Community Development
This paper explores the use of FinTech-enabled crowdfunding platforms to integrate Islamic social finance instruments with other similar instruments to enhance sustainable community development. It introduces the Integrated Islamic Crowdfunding and Social Finance Framework (IICSF) to integrate zakah, waqf, sadaqah, and digital crowdfunding to strengthen financial inclusion, institutional transparency, community involvement and sustainable socio-economic development. This study adopts a qualitative research methodology based on document analysis of classical Islamic legal sources and modern literature in Islamic social finance, FinTech, digital philanthropy and sustainable development. The study adopts a conceptual and analytical approach that combines classic Islamic philanthropic principles with cutting-edge digital financial technologies and integrates fragmented streams of scholarship on these areas into an integrative framework. The study found that integrating Islamic social finance with digital crowdfunding may strengthen resource mobilisation, enhance financial transparency, improve efficiency and accountability, encourage donor participation, distribute charitable funds equitably. FinTech such as mobile payment systems, artificial intelligence, block-chain, smart contracts, and digital identification management can build accountability and minimize operational expenses and fraud, as well as restoring public confidence. IICSF creates a collaborative setting amongst financial and civic organisations, including Islamic finance institutions, waqf boards, zakah agencies, crowdfunding portals, regulators, FinTech companies, social entrepreneurs, and the local community. It can also facilitate the financing of poverty eradication, affordable housing and education programmes, access to healthcare, climate action, youth entrepreneurship, and social ventures, among others, and has the potential to contribute significantly to a more inclusive and sustainable community development. This study introduces for the first time the Integrated Islamic Crowdfunding and Social Finance Framework (IICSF) as a comprehensive conceptual model for the integration of Islamic social finance instruments of zakah, waqf, and sadaqah, with FinTech-enabled crowdfunding. The framework addresses how Islamic philanthropic organisations could utilize digital financial technologies to foster greater financial inclusion, improved institutional accountability and performance, community participation and accelerated development. The integrative framework provides a model for a modern Islamic social finance approach capable of meeting social needs of contemporary global societies.
Copyright (c) 2025 Yusuf Isa Sawaba, Adamu Abubakar Muhammad, Ibrahim Abubakar Muhammad, Ismail Iliyasu Danladi, Abdullah A. Afifi, Maryam Babani Muhammad https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0
From Maqasid al-Shariah to the Sustainable Development Goals: Repositioning Islamic Economics as a Framework for Inclusive and Sustainable Human Development
This paper examines the potential of the 'Maqasid al-Shariah' to serve as a moral and institutional framework that contributes towards meeting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This paper, aims to present the Islamic economic system as a comprehensive framework to promote inclusive growth, social justice and sustainable human well being and thus provides an Islamic integrative framework to tackle the global Sustainable development challenges. This research adopts qualitative approach of research, that mostly depends on literature review, which encompasses the study of classical sources of Islamic literature as well as current publications on Islamic Economics, Maqasid al-Shariah, international development policy, social finance. A conceptual and analytical technique would be used to build on current body of research, to conceptualize the bridge between the principles of Islamic Economics and a broader set of global sustainable development goals. The result shows that Islamic economics has a moral and institutional foundation towards sustainable development; greater than the current economic growth focused on development models. Several principles in Islamic economics like, justice (adl), public interest (maslahah), co-operation and assistance (takaful), trusteeship (khilafah) as well as moderation (wasatiyyah) are in close correlation with the aspirations of SDGs, and take the SDGs further with moral and spiritual context. Islamic social finance instruments like Zakah, Waqf and Sadaqah can also serve as significant tools to implement SDGs in the context of poverty eradication, financial inclusion, education and health services, as well as environmental health and resilience of the economy to tacle the future challenges. Based on the above discussion, the paper proposes a conceptual model titled, 'Maqasid-SDG Integrated Development framework (MSIDF)', that could be utilized as guidelines to align the Islamic economics institution to achieving a sustainable and decent human well being. The study contributes to the existing body of knowledge by changing the scope of the study from an examination of Islamic finance to the exploration of the potential of Islamic economics to provide a comprehensive ethical framework for a sustainable and inclusive development in the world.
Copyright (c) 2025 Ismail Iliyasu Danladi, Adamu Abubakar Muhammad, Aishatu Attahiru Bappah, Adam Muhammad Ardo, Muhammad Romi, Abdullah A. Afifi https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0
Reimagining Waqf-Based Entrepreneurship: Building Inclusive Islamic Business Ecosystems for Sustainable Economic Growth
Entrepreneurship has been widely acknowledged as a significant engine for job creation, innovation, poverty reduction and inclusive economic growth in recent times. For developing economies, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), entrepreneurship fosters overall economic resilience and sustainable development. Despite the critical role of entrepreneurship, many aspiring entrepreneurs continue to face substantial challenges such as limited access to finance, poor business support services, a lack of technical expertise, weak institutional networks, and confined markets. Often, classical modes of financing have excluded a significant proportion of the most disadvantaged groups because of their collateral requirements, high finance costs, and poor capital access. From an Islamic economic viewpoint, waqf has long served diverse purposes; however, in most instances its function has mostly focused on education, business ventures, community infrastructure and the welfare of society. The purpose of this article is to conceptualize how waqf can be redefined as a sustainable institution to enhance entrepreneurship development and build inclusive Islamic entrepreneurial ecosystem. This paper proposes the Waqf-Based Entrepreneurship Ecosystem Framework (WBEEF) that encompasses productive waqf, entrepreneurship development, business incubation, Islamic finance, digital innovation, and institutional collaboration to support sustainable enterprise creation and enhance sustainable economic resilience. The present study used qualitative research methods and followed documentary analysis and literature review method. In this regard, both classical Islamic legal sources and modern literatures of waqf, Islamic economics, entrepreneurship, SME development, business ecosystem theory, innovation and sustainable development have critically analyzed. Through a conceptual and analytical analysis of existing literature, an integrated research has carried out linking Islamic philanthropic institutions to the development of entrepreneurial ecosystem. This study identifies that productive waqf has significant potential to foster entrepreneurship by providing seed capital, vocational training, business incubation centres, shared facilities, market development initiatives, research and innovation hubs, digital infrastructure, and other business development support services. Furthermore, an integration of waqf with Islamic banks and other Islamic financial institutions, universities, government agencies, technology organizations, business associations, and corporations could stimulate local entrepreneurial capabilities, alleviate financial exclusion, and facilitate sustainable business development. The WBEEF has built productive partnerships amongst these actors to develop youth ventures, women-owned businesses, halal and green enterprises, agricultural innovations, and social entrepreneurships, which foster economic opportunities, technology, wealth generation and economic growth within Islamic ethical framework of social justice, equity and responsibility. This paper, by conceptualizing a new framework in the context of Islamic economics, presents an original contribution in repositioning the institution of waqf from its conventional perception as only for charitable/religious affairs towards a sustainable entrepreneurial resource for inclusive business growth and socio-economic development. The Waqf-Based Entrepreneurship Ecosystem Framework (WBEEF) provides an innovative practical guideline and policy agenda for waqf institutions, Islamic finance organizations, government and public sector authorities, policy makers, entrepreneurs and development actors in leveraging waqf resources for strengthening SMEs development, job creation, poverty reduction and economic resilience in conformity with the broader social welfare objectives of Islamic economics.
Copyright (c) 2025 Namungo Hamzah, Adamu Abubakar Muhammad, Ismail Iliyasu Danladi, Babangida Bala, Abdullah A. Afifi, Muhammadu Sani Abubakar https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0
Women's Economic Empowerment through Islamic Social Finance: Integrating Waqf, Zakah, and Microfinance for Inclusive Development
Women economic empowerment has been at the heart of global discussions about development owing to the critical roles it plays in poverty alleviation, household welfare, inclusive economic development and growth. Nevertheless, an important proportion of women, especially in developing countries, still face poor access to financial services, productive assets and financial opportunities. Their entrepreneurship potentials continue to be untapped due to their poor access to capital. Limited financial resources and collateral requirements prevent poor women from accessing Conventional financing options. As part of the Islamic financial framework, zakah, waqf, sadaqa, and Islamic micro-financing are useful tools for social justice and promoting equal distribution of wealth. Hence this paper aims to present the Integrated Women Islamic Social Finance Empowerment Framework (IWISE) which is an effort to combine the elements of Islamic social finance with women empowerment entrepreneurship and capacity development into a single cohesive model. This study employs a qualitative research approach. The primary data collection consists of document analysis of Islamic classical legal texts, and reviews of current relevant literatures on Islamic social finance, women entrepreneurship, financial inclusion, micro financing and poverty alleviation. The study employs conceptual and analytical method to synthesis existing body of knowledge and put forward an integrate Islamic social finance for women’s economic development. Study shows that better integration of Zakah and Waqf Institutions, Islamic micro-financing institutions, governments and civil society could improve women access to finance, support the provision of business development, vocational skills, digital literacy, and other opportunities in the market place. Productive endowments (waqf) and zakat, could sustain entrepreneurial activities for women. This approach is expected to create synergistic and collaborative partnerships to advance women entrepreneurship, financially include women in the economy and sustainably enhance their livelihoods. This study adds to the existing body of literature on Islamic social finance through proposing a novel model of Integrated Women’s Islamic Social Finance Empowerment (IWISE) Frame work that strategically combine zakat, waqf and Islamic micro finance with capacity development and partnerships initiatives in the sphere of women entrepreneurship and economic development. This framework will provide a policy road map for policy makers, Islamic institutions and entrepreneurs for effective utilization of Islamic philanthropic and financial resources to ensure that Islamic social Finance become instruments of inclusive and sustainable human development through empowerments of women.
Copyright (c) 2026 Huma Khan, Adamu Abubakar Muhammad, Ahmad Babikir, Ismail Iliyasu Danladi, Muhammad Uba Babayo, Abdullah A. Afifi https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0
Waqf-Based Financing Models for Integrating Artificial Intelligence into Nigerian Educational Curriculum: Infrastructure, Policy, and Sustainability Perspectives
The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in education is a growing global priority, particularly in addressing digital competencies and improving teaching quality. However, Nigeria faces significant challenges in adopting AI due to inadequate infrastructure, investment, and skilled personnel. This chapter discusses the potential of waqf (Islamic endowment) as a sustainable funding strategy to support AI in education, focusing on infrastructure, policy alignment, and long-term sustainability. It highlights traditional waqf's historical role in financing education and proposes a waqf-based financing model that incorporates infrastructural development, governance frameworks, and sustainability. This research employs a qualitative and conceptual layout focused on Islamic social finance literature and artificial intelligence in education and infrastructural development in Nigeria. It uses a comparative analysis of successful waqf-based educational financing models from selected Muslim countries, proposing a conceptual framework for a waqf financing model that integrates infrastructure development, policy alignment, governance structures, and sustainability mechanisms for AI in education. This approach aims to reposition waqf to support digital transformation, reduce educational inequality, and promote sustainable educational advancement in Nigeria. The model aims to bridge the digital divide through well-targeted waqf investments, promoting equitable access to education. It also calls for regulatory support for waqf integration into national strategies and emphasizes governance transparency. By fostering human capital development among educators and addressing ethical concerns, waqf initiatives can ensure responsible AI integration. The chapter draws insights from successful waqf models in other countries to advocate for a strategic reorientation of Islamic finance to meet technological needs in Nigeria’s education system, ultimately fostering educational innovation and sustainable development.
Copyright (c) 2025 Garba Sa'adu Kawu, Adamu Abubakar Muhammad, Yusuf Isa Sawaba, Murjanatu Yusuf, Ismail Iliyasu Danladi https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0
Industrial Maturity: Bridging Capability Development and Business Transformation
In today's economic development, business transformation is a key characteristic of the process, as a result of the speed of technological change, digitalization, and the increasing globalisation of production systems. The manufacturing sector is under growing pressure to embrace new technological paradigms like advanced automation, data-driven production, and interconnected ecosystems. In this changing context, the term 'industrial maturity' has become important as a tool to analyse the development of industries from simple production systems to more complex, resilient and innovative systems. The concept of industrial maturity is still not well developed in the academic literature, especially in the explanation of the relationship between capability development and business transformation, despite its increased significance. This study revisits and conceptualizes industrial maturity by combining the concepts of capability theory, the resource-based view, and the literature on business model innovation to understand how technological resources and organizational capabilities can be the drivers of industrial transformation. The paper suggests a conceptual framework that presents industrial maturity as an evolutionary outcome of a combination of technology-driven resources, capability development, and business transformation. Technology-driven resources resemble the technological components of infrastructures, human resources, knowledge assets, and organization that facilitate industrial development. Capability accumulation is the ability of firms to implement, adapt, and deploy these resources effectively. Business transformation is the strategic reconfiguration of capabilities, assets, and business models in response to technological change. The proposed framework emphasizes that industrial maturity is not just a matter of technological adoption but a gradual evolution process that requires technological resource building, strategic adaptation, and ecosystem integration. More mature industries have more advanced technological capacities, adaptive business systems, and more robust innovation networks. This study brings a conceptual approach to the literature on industrial development and lays the groundwork for future empirical studies on business transformation in the digital economy.
Copyright (c) 2025 Abdullah A Afifi https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0
Implementation of Quality Management and Patient Safety in Community Clinics: A Qualitative Study
Patient safety is a key component of quality management systems in healthcare services. At the primary healthcare level, the implementation of patient safety systems often faces various challenges, such as limited human resources, organizational culture, clinical leadership, and suboptimal incident reporting systems. Community clinics play a strategic role in providing safe, effective, and high-quality healthcare services for the community. This study aims to examine the implementation of quality management and patient safety at the Baitul Qurro School Clinic. It also seeks to identify barriers and supporting factors in the implementation of patient safety, as well as to explore the experiences of healthcare workers in implementing service quality systems. This research employed a qualitative approach with a descriptive design. Data were collected through in-depth interviews, observation of service processes, and review of the clinic’s quality documents. The research informants consisted of healthcare workers and clinic managers involved in patient care and quality management. Data analysis was conducted using thematic analysis to identify key themes related to organizational structure, service processes, and patient safety outcomes. The results show that the implementation of patient safety is influenced by several key factors, including leadership commitment, the availability of standard operating procedures, communication among healthcare workers, and the incident reporting system. Limited resources and the lack of structured training were identified as barriers to the optimal implementation of patient safety systems. This study highlights the importance of strengthening the patient safety culture at the primary healthcare level through the integration of quality management systems, capacity building for healthcare workers, and the reinforcement of professional ethical values based on Al-Islam and Kemuhammadiyahan.
Copyright (c) 2026 Mohammad Labib, Inne Indraaryani Suryaalamsah, Abdullah A Afifi https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0
Cryptocurrency, Mining, and Trading Activities Among Bauchi Muslim Women
This study explores the growing phenomena of cryptocurrency participation among Muslim women in Bauchi, Nigeria, including mining, trading, and related financial activities, and looks at how it affects their financial situation. Digital currencies are revolutionizing financial inclusion on a global scale by giving excluded groups access to alternative investment and income-generating alternatives. However, there is still little research on the use of cryptocurrencies in low-income environments, particularly among culturally restricted populations. This study uses a mixed-methods approach that includes surveys, focus groups, and in-depth interviews with 300 Muslim women involved in e-currency ecosystems. It draws on adaptive diffusion theory and socio-economic inclusion frameworks. The results show that trading cryptocurrencies, especially peer-to-peer (P2P) exchanges, has helped users diversify their sources of income, improve their financial independence, and lessen the effects of inflation and currency devaluation. Despite being limited by capital and energy expenses, mining operations have also given some participants access to specialized revenue sources. The study also highlights important mediators of economic impact, such as financial literacy, access to digital infrastructure, social network support, Islamic ethical considerations around risk and riba, and digital literacy. Concerns regarding market volatility, unclear regulations, and inadequate institutional protections endure despite favorable economic consequences. In addition to providing policy suggestions for inclusive financial literacy programs, community-based regulatory guidelines, and gender-responsive digital economy strategies, the research advances our understanding of the adoption of digital finance in culturally particular contexts.
Copyright (c) 2026 Rahina Musa Ibrahim, Akilu Aliyu Muhammad https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0
Promoting Sustainable and Inclusive Entrepreneurship through Technology-Enhanced Learning: Bridging Islamic Moral Economy, Social Studies, and English Language Education
Copyright (c) 2026 Adamu Abubakar Muhammad, Gaji Maiwada Abubakar, Nafisa Kabir Galadanci, Zubaida Yahya Ahmad, Maryam Adam https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0
The Relevance of Waqf in Supporting Environmental Education and Sustainable Development
Background: Climate change and environmental degradation have become major worldwide issues, particularly in poorer nations. There are still gaps in funding and community-level instruction for sustainable environmental practices, despite global commitments to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Although the Islamic institution of waqf, a type of perpetual charity endowment, has long been important for social welfare, little is known about how it might help with sustainability and environmental education. Purpose: The purpose of this study is to investigate the applicability and potential of waqf in advancing sustainable development and environmental education. It looks at how waqf can be set up and used to support environmental initiatives, ecological literacy, and awareness-raising initiatives both inside and outside of Muslim communities. Methodology: Using content analysis of original Islamic law sources, historical case studies, and modern waqf models from nations like Malaysia, Indonesia, and Turkey, a qualitative research approach was used. To learn more about real-world applications and difficulties, semi-structured interviews were also done with community leaders, environmental academics, and waqf officials. Findings: By creating eco-friendly schools, assisting research facilities, financing green technology, and supporting awareness campaigns based on Islamic ecological ideals, waqf can make a substantial contribution to environmental education and sustainable development, according to the study. Examples from history show that waqf holdings were historically utilized to protect public amenities and natural resources like forests and water sources. In certain nations with a majority of Muslims, contemporary waqf organizations are already starting to adjust to sustainability goals. However, because of a lack of knowledge, legal restrictions, and a lack of creativity in waqf management, this integration is still quite low. Limitations: The scope of this study focuses on a few Muslim-majority nations with operational waqf organizations. Access to waqf administrative documents and some parties' reluctance to reveal financial strategies are further barriers to empirical data. Originality: Waqf is an underutilized financial and educational tool for promoting sustainability and environmental care. Policy changes, community involvement, and strategic alliances that match waqf with international sustainability goals and Islamic environmental norms are necessary to optimize its impact.
Copyright (c) 2025 Adamu Abubakar Muhammad, Usman Jibril Mikail, Shafa'at Ahmad Aliyu, Rabi Shehu Dalhatu https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0
Eco-Green Catalys: An Intelligent Distribution Network for Generative Mycorrhizal Spores Through AI and Iot Optimization for Ecological Complexity Engineering in Post-Deforestation Lands Based on Restorative Bio-Economy Principles
The ecological crisis caused by illegal deforestation has resulted in severe soil degradation, biodiversity loss, and disruption of ecosystem balance. Eco-Green Catalys emerges as an adaptive biotechnological innovation integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT) to accelerate the restoration of post-deforestation lands. This system operates through an intelligent distribution network of generative mycorrhizal spores, which precisely controls inoculation, moisture regulation, and nutrient delivery based on real-time soil data analysis. Supported by a Spatio-Temporal Deep Learning (STDL-AI) framework, the system demonstrates up to 96% accuracy in ecological monitoring, enhances vegetation recovery rates by 70%, and increases carbon sequestration capacity by 35% compared to conventional restoration methods. Beyond ecological rehabilitation, this innovation reinforces the principles of restorative bio-economy by utilizing renewable energy sources and community-based participation, aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 13) on climate action and long-term ecological resilience. Overall, Eco-Green Catalys provides a scalable and data-driven model that bridges environmental technology and socio-economic sustainability in restoring tropical ecosystems.
Copyright (c) 2026 Gilang Arya Mahmudi, Dwi Puji Lestari, Davina Anindya Cindy Arianto https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0
AI Integration in Nigeria’s Financial Sector: Challenges and Opportunities for Professional Development
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming banking, accounting, auditing, risk management, and customer service operations. In Nigeria, the integration of AI into the financial sector presents both unprecedented opportunities and significant challenges. This study examines the implications of AI adoption for professional development among Nigerian finance practitioners. Based on the frameworks of technological diffusion and human capital development, the research investigates how AI-driven tools like machine learning, natural language processing, robotic process automation, and predictive analytics are influencing financial practices and the skills required of professionals. The study uses a mixed-methods approach, combining survey data from finance professionals in selected Nigerian banks and fintech firms with qualitative interviews with regulators, educators, and technology experts. In addition to highlighting important opportunities like increased productivity, fraud detection, financial inclusion, and better decision-making, the findings are anticipated to point out significant obstacles like job displacement, ethical dilemmas, regulatory gaps, and a lack of professional AI literacy. In order to create a workforce prepared for AI, the study emphasizes the necessity of ongoing professional development, curriculum change in finance and accounting education, and cooperative efforts between the government, business community, and professional associations. The study conclude that effective AI integration in Nigeria's financial sector depends not only on the availability of technology but also on giving finance professionals the knowledge, moral compass, and flexible abilities they need to prosper in the age of digital transformation.
Copyright (c) 2025 Adamu Abubakar Muhammad, Adam Muhammad Ardo, Shafa'at Ahmad Aliyu, Ibrahim Abubakar Muhammad, Fadimatu Ahmed Jika https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0
Online Learning and Open Education: Transforming Beyond Digitalization
The global shift toward digital transformation has significantly accelerated the adoption of online learning and open education models. However, in an increasingly complex and fast-changing world (VUCA), digitalization alone is no longer sufficient as an objective. This article aims to explore how online learning and open education can evolve beyond digitalization by aligning with broader global challenges, trends, and emerging societal needs. Using a conceptual and literature-based approach, the paper examines how open education contributes to contemporary issues such as technological advancement, sustainability, regional development, inclusiveness, and public participation. In this context, open education is not merely defined by free access to digital platforms but rather as a paradigm shift toward collaboration, open knowledge, and democratized learning. Education is increasingly understood as a participatory and sustainable ecosystem, rather than a one-directional process. This study emphasizes that building an inclusive, adaptive, and future-relevant education system requires the integration of policy innovation, technological advancement, and values of openness. The article provides practical policy insights, implications, and strategic recommendations for transitioning from simple digital educational access to a development and transformation strategy, particularly in developing countries where educational inequality and sustainability gaps remain key concerns.
Copyright (c) 2024 Abdullah A Afifi, Nor Anisa Arifin, Mona Eliza, Evan Azami, Gustian Salm https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0
Waste Management in the Circular Economy Framework: A Study on Biomass and Compost Potential Production in Payakumbuh City
This study explores the potential of integrating waste management strategies with circular economy principles to enhance biomass and compost production in the greater Payakumbuh area. As regional urbanization and domestic waste levels continue to rise, there is an urgent need to shift from linear waste disposal systems toward resource-oriented waste valorization. This paper proposes a circular model that repositions organic household waste as a green input for local biomass energy and organic fertilizer production, thereby contributing to environmental sustainability, regional agricultural resilience, and green economic development. Drawing on interdisciplinary frameworks from circular economy theory, waste-to-resource models, and regional development planning, the study analyzes the feasibility of composting and anaerobic digestion as localized waste treatment technologies. It also examines governance challenges, infrastructure readiness, and community engagement in the region. The case of Payakumbuh, where agricultural productivity and urban waste generation are closely intertwined, illustrates both the opportunities and constraints of implementing circular economy strategies in smaller Indonesian urban centers. By conceptualizing a closed-loop system tailored to the socio-economic characteristics of Payakumbuh, this research provides a foundation for future empirical studies and policy interventions aimed at sustainable resource management and low-carbon regional transformation.
Copyright (c) 2025 Abdullah A Afifi, Nor Anisa Arifin, Irwan Taslapratama https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0
Digital Learning Co-Creation: A Conceptual Study between University and Learning Hub in Underdeveloped Urban Areas
This article presents a conceptual co-creation model of digital learning between universities and learning hubs in organizing online lectures as a strategy to increase literacy access in underdeveloped urban areas. The background of this study comes from initial observations conducted at Darulfunun Payakumbuh, a community-based institution that has facilitated students from various universities to take online lectures with the support of study rooms, connectivity, and mentoring. In the context of limited infrastructure and learning facilities at home, a collaboration between higher education institutions and digital learning centers such as Darulfunun is a potential solution to overcome the gap in access to education. This study uses a conceptual approach by combining the principles of co-creation (co-initiation, co-design, co-delivery, co-reflection) and the Customer Satisfaction framework, especially the expectation-perception-reaction model towards digital learning services. The discussion is directed at the design of shared facilities, adaptive collaboration mechanisms, and measuring student satisfaction with the quality and access to online lecture services. This study produces a conceptual model that can be used as a reference for further research and development of community-based higher education policies, with implications for increasing digital literacy and equality of access to higher education in marginalized areas.
Copyright (c) 2024 Mona Eliza, Abdullah A Afifi, Nor Anisa Arifin, Evan Azami https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0
Influence of Metal Dopant (Cu, Co, Sm, Sn) on Ni/ScSZ Thin Film Anode in Solid Oxide Fuel Cell
Solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) are highly efficient electrochemical conversion devices that generates electrical energy through electrochemical reaction of gaseous fuel. Doping on the SOFC anode catalyst has the potential to increase the performance and tolerance of SOFC towards hydrocarbon fuel. An understanding of the doping effect of different type of catalyst on the SOFC anode is essential due to the differences in the characteristics of the catalysts and the impact on the existing anode catalyst microstructure with the dopant addition. This study is aimed to identify the effect of metal catalysts doping on the microstructure and electrochemical performance of Ni/ScSZ thin composite anodes on the SOFC electrolyte supported cell with surface infiltration method. The impact on the anode catalyst’s microstructure, distribution of element and elemental analysis was carried out using SEM-EDX and XRD analysis. The electrochemical performance of the cells were evaluated by the maximum power density and open-circuit-voltage (OCV) from the current-voltage (iV) measurement in hydrogen and in biogas. The results of this study found that the presence of dopant introduction of 5wt% dopant/Ni can be detected by EDX, but not with lower concentration. For Sn, Sm and Cu doped cells, the XRD analysis detected Ni3Sn, Ni2Sm and Cu0.81Ni0.19 alloy formed, respectively. Doping by 0.5 wt% of Sn/Ni and 5wt% of Sm/Ni improved the electrochemical performance in hydrogen by three-fold and two-fold (184mW/cm2 and 100mW/cm2, respectively) compared to 49 mW/cm2 in the undoped cell. Addition of Cu showed the best tolerance with biogas operation. Co addition on the other hand posed a negative impact and the microstructure of the anode become overly dense. This work observed different impact dopant by various dopant on the cell’s porosity which influenced the electrochemical reaction. As the result with biogas deviates from previous investigation with anode supported cell, it can be concluded that for electrolyte supported cell with thin anode which have limited catalytic area as the reforming reaction reaction compete with the triple phase boundary area for electrochemical reaction.
Copyright (c) 2024 Nor Anisa Arifin, Abdullah A Afifi, Navina Kumar, Nur Natasha Roslan, Andanastuti Muchtar https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0
Re-Viewing Sumitro’s Policy and Industrial Maturity: Powering Downstream and Manufacturing Industries for Economic Growth and Sustainable Society
During the 1950s, Sumitro Djojohadikusumo contributed in a significant manner to the construction of the economy of Indonesia, along with other figures, namely Mohammad Hatta, Sjafruddin Prawiranegara, and Djuanda Kartawidjaja. During this period, Sumitro promoted policies to drive industrialization in Indonesia and self-reliance to transform Indonesia from a colonial economy into a developing nation. Soemitro Djojohadikusumo’s economic policies were pivotal in shaping Indonesia’s post-colonial economy; focusing on production and industrial sovereignty, he emphasized reducing dependency on imports by fostering domestic industries, especially strategic sectors like heavy industry and natural resource processing, which he saw as crucial to national sovereignty. Soemitro also promoted stimulating economic activities through both public investment and private sector engagement, aiming to diversify the economy and drive sustained growth. Many of the challenges Soemitro addressed, such as infrastructural gaps and weak technological readiness, which remain relevant today. This research analyzes to what extent the economic policy shaped by Sumitro impacts Indonesia’s development. This analysis has significance in understanding Indonesia’s contemporary economic planning and trends, particularly in terms of economic policy shaped by the newly elected President of Indonesia, Prabowo Subianto. Analysis of Sumitro’s policy is conducted through the lenses of the industrial maturity concept, which is relevant to growth theory, resource-based view, and development economics. Indonesia’s pursuit of industrial maturity is crucial for transforming its raw resource-based economy into one that competes globally by adding value to domestic production. The need to revitalize manufacturing and strengthen downstream industries is critical for boosting competitiveness and integrating circular economic principles that emphasize sustainability. Soemitro’s vision of empowering society aligns with modern approaches to creating a more inclusive economy. However, infrastructure bottlenecks, a lagging education system, and regulatory complexities continue to slow the progress. Addressing supply chain challenges through regional industrial clustering and focusing on efficiency will be vital for overcoming these barriers. Further empirical research is needed to explore how infrastructure, education reform, and regulatory simplification can enhance Indonesia’s industrial maturity and sustainable economic development.
Copyright (c) 2024 Abdullah A Afifi, Hanief Adrian, Evan Azami, Muhammad Farid https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0