Mohammed Yusuf

Similar to many other Islamic fundamentalist groups,  Yusuf supported the imposition of Shariah Law and opposed any elements of society that were derived from the Western world. This includes the practice of voting and democracy, wearing trousers and shirts, and most importantly secular education. Upon the creation of this jihadist group, Yusuf also built a mosque and Islamic school. Nigeria's lack of development impedes on the education of many children. This is due to the high fees that are unaffordable for the average citizen. The installation of Yusuf's school provided many Muslim children of poor families access to education. These families traveled great distances to ensure their children with the opportunity to attend Yusuf's school. Yusuf's school was centered around providing Islamic education, but more than that, it was centered around creating accessibility and equity by providing an education for the less fortunate. In this manner he was attempting to tackle the most pressing issue in Nigeria's underdevelopment. The issue that continuously leaves the youth uneducated, unemployed, and in despair in the North. Mohammed Yusuf was fully aware of the North's disadvantaged state, and it is on this knowledge that the Boko Haram group was formed.

BBC, "Who are Nigeria's Boko Haram Islamists?." Last modified January 11,2012. Accessed April 1, 2012. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-13809501.