Islamic School on Brink of Deregistration Over Principal’s ‘Hateful’ Social Media Posts
- New Madinah College in Young, NSW, has 28 days to prove its principal meets fit and proper requirements
- Sheikh Abdulghani Albaf’s social media comments deemed ‘concerning and hateful’ by NSW Education Standards Authority
- School risks deregistration if principal is not sacked, with potential consequences for students and community
The New Madinah College in Young, NSW, is facing the very real prospect of deregistration after a lengthy investigation by the NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) found its principal, Sheikh Abdulghani Albaf, to be “not a fit and proper person” to hold the position.
The decision comes after a series of “concerning and hateful” social media comments were attributed to Sheikh Albaf, sparking a probe into the school’s policies and procedures.
In 2024, Sheikh Albaf was appointed as principal of the kindergarten-to-year-10 college, but just a year later, state and federal authorities launched an investigation into allegedly antisemitic comments about Zionism made on a social media account bearing his name.
Midway through 2025, NESA started its own investigation, visiting the school’s campus and scrutinizing its policies and procedures. Sheikh Albaf stood aside from his role in January, pending the outcome of the investigation.
This week, a NESA spokesperson revealed that its registration committee had determined Sheikh Albaf did not meet the fit and proper requirements for being principal, citing an “ongoing pattern of behaviour” exhibited in his social media postings and a “lack of remorse displayed by him”.
The committee deemed his behaviour “inconsistent with the role of a principal in a NSW school in setting an appropriate ethical and moral tone for the school community”.
The consequences of Sheikh Albaf remaining principal could be severe, with NESA warning that it may constitute non-compliance and potentially lead to the cancellation of the college’s registration.
The school has been given 28 days to provide evidence that Sheikh Albaf meets the fit and proper requirements, or face the very real prospect of deregistration.
Analysis: What This Means for Australia
The potential deregistration of the New Madinah College has significant implications for the community, particularly for the students and families who rely on the school for their education.
It also raises concerns about the vetting process for school principals and the role of social media in shaping public opinion. Security analysts warn that the presence of “hateful” rhetoric in schools can have far-reaching consequences, potentially influencing young minds and perpetuating harmful ideologies.
Law enforcement insiders believe that the case highlights the need for stricter monitoring of social media activity among public figures, particularly those in positions of authority.
Industry observers believe that the incident may lead to a renewed focus on education and community engagement, as well as stricter protocols for school principals and staff.
As the situation unfolds, the New Madinah College and its community remain on high alert, awaiting the outcome of Sheikh Albaf’s proceedings against NESA in the NSW Supreme Court.
One thing is certain: the stakes are high, and the consequences of inaction could be devastating.
