The New Madinah College, an Islamic school in Young, New South Wales, faces potential deregistration after the New South Wales Education Standards Authority (NESA) deemed its principal, Sheikh Abdulghani Albaf, unfit for his role. This conclusion followed a comprehensive investigation into the school's operations, which revealed troubling social media comments made by Albaf deemed 'concerning and hateful.' The finding poses significant implications not only for the leadership of the school but also for its future as an educational institution within the state.

Sheikh Albaf, who was appointed principal in 2024, has been suspended from his role since January 2025 as the investigation unfolded. NESA's examination included a thorough assessment of the school's policies and procedures, conducted at the kindergarten-to-year-10 campus. As a result of the investigation's findings, NESA indicated that the school could lose its registration if decisive action is not taken regarding Albaf's employment status. This development has raised concerns among parents, staff, and the wider community about the stability and reputation of the institution.

In response to NESA's findings, Sheikh Albaf has initiated legal proceedings in the New South Wales Supreme Court against the authority, challenging their conclusions. This legal battle may further complicate the situation, drawing attention to the regulatory oversight of educational institutions and the responsibilities of school leaders. The outcome of the case could have broader implications for the governance of Islamic schools in Australia, particularly regarding issues of accountability and community standards.