Prominent Scholars in Nigeria and Some of Their Contributions (Series Four)

By Abdullahi Yusuf

Islamic scholarship in Nigeria has been shaped by generations of great scholars who have dedicated their lives to the preservation, interpretation, and dissemination of knowledge. Their influence extends beyond religious teachings, reaching into education, governance, and societal reform. From the early scholars who laid the foundation of Islamic learning in the region to contemporary sheikhs addressing modern challenges, their impact remains undeniable.

With such a vast and diverse landscape of scholars both past and present, it would be impossible to capture the full extent of their contributions in a single series. However, in this installment, we continue our journey by highlighting four distinguished scholars whose works have significantly shaped the intellectual and spiritual discourse in Nigeria. Their teachings, leadership, and dedication serve as a testament to the enduring relevance of Islamic scholarship in navigating the complexities of our time.

Below are some selected few scholars whose contributions deserve recognition in this series.

Sheikh Abdus-Salaam Muhammad Thaani Ayanda Akoshile:

His Eminence, Sheikh Abdus-Salaam Muhammad Thaani Ayanda Akoshile, was a luminary of Islamic scholarship and exemplary Sufi spirituality of the late 19th century Nigeria. Born around 1896 in Oro town, Kwara State, to parents who were descendants from the old Oyo and Nupe royalties, Sheikh Abdus-Salaam’s life was a testament to his unwavering dedication to the pursuit of knowledge, spiritual growth, and the propagation of Islam.

As a young boy, Sheikh Abdus-Salaam embarked on an arduous journey of academic and spiritual exploration, traversing the vast expanse of Islamic knowledge and tasawwuf. He started his elementary studies under Alfa Kuranga (RTA) in Oro and proceeded under Alfa Nuhu Pataki (RTA) in Ilorin. He thereafter delved into the intricacies of Arabic language, Qur’an exegesis, Hadith, Fiqh, and other branches of Islamic knowledge under the venerable Sheikh Umar Agbaji (RTA) in Ilorin and finally the erudite Sheikh Aminullahi Babaita (RTA) in Lagos. As a young itinerant scholar, he visited many towns including Oyo, Ibadan, Abeokuta and Ifo before settling in Lagos where he met one of the greatest Islamic scholars of the era, Sheikh Umar bin Abubakr Falke – RTA (from Goron Dutse, Kano).

Sheikh Abdus-Salaam’s remarkable intellect, coupled with his passion for Islamic scholarship, soon earned him recognition and certification as a leading authority on Islamic thoughts and Tijaniyyah brotherhood in Nigeria. He earned the ultimate ijazah as Khalifat ut-Tijaniyya when in the early 1950s he accompanied his mentor, Sheikh Umar Falke on the maiden spiritual sojourn to Kaolack where he met the reigning Qutbul Maqtuum, Sheikh Alhaji Ibrahim bin Abdullah Niasse (RTA).

As a Sufi leader, Sheikh Abdus-Salaam embodied the highest ideals of compassion, wisdom, and spiritual guidance. He founded the Zumratul Mutahaqqiqeen lil faydat Tijaniyyah, which served as a beacon of Islamic learning and spiritual growth. His selfless devotion to Islam and mutual understanding earned him the love of many erudite scholars, including Sheikh Muhammadu Kamalud-deen Al-Adaby, Sheikh Adam Abdullah Al-Ilory and Sheikh Muhammad Jamiu Bulala (RTA)

Sheikh Abdus-Salaam’s impact on Islamic propagation in Nigeria was legion. In the mid-1960s, he facilitated the triumphant return to Nigeria of Sheikh Ibrahim Igbo, RTA, (formally Francis Nwagui) after his seven years’ sojourn in Kaolack. On this momentous occasion, Sheikh Akoshile accompanied Sheikh Ibrahim Niasse to Afikpo (now Ebonyi State) where he was granted the honour of leading the solat attended by over 2000 Igbo Muslim convert which marked the blossoming of Islam in the entire Igboland.

The legacy of Sheikh Abdus-Salaam Akoshile continues to inspire and guide Muslims in Nigeria and beyond. In a remarkable testament of his recognition as the Khalifa,  Sheikh Abdus-Salaam was paid a courtesy visit at his hometown, Oro, Kwara State, by his mentor and teacher, Shaykh Ibrahim Niasse, in 1971. It was a farewell visit as the grand master passed on four years later.

Sheikh Abdus-Salaam continued his unparalleled contributions to Islamic scholarship, sufi spirituality, and Islamic propagation until 2013 when he passed on at the age of 114 years. He was succeeded by his first son, Sheikh Aminullahi Akoshile, former President of MSSN at ABU, Zaria & former National VP of MSSN, who himself was granted the ijazah of Muqaddim directly from Shaykh Ibrahim Niasse in 1973.

Through his tireless efforts, Sheikh Abdus-Salaam Akoshile has bridged the gap between traditional Islamic scholarship and contemporary challenges, promoting a nuanced understanding of Islam’s rich cultural heritage and its relevance to modern society. In February 2025, Sheikh Abdus-Salaam Muhammad Thaani Ayanda Akoshile, was conferred with the posthumous Fellowship Award  of the Academic Society for Arabic Language and Literature in Nigeria (ASALLIN) in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the advancement of Islamic scholarship, Sufi leadership, and Arabic language and literature in Nigeria.

Sheikh Ibrahim Nwagui Nyass Igbo:

Sheikh Ibrahim Nwagui, also known as Ibrahim Nyass Igbo, was born in 1920 in Afikpo, Ebonyi State, Nigeria. Originally a Christian catechist, his life took a transformative turn in 1950 after experiencing a series of profound dreams. In these visions, he saw a turbaned man carrying a rosary who beckoned him thrice, saying, “come to me.” Compelled by these recurring dreams, Nwagui, a talented artist, sketched the figure and embarked on a quest to identify him.

His journey led him first to Cameroon, where locals suggested the drawing resembled the Emir of Kano. Traveling to Kano, he met the Emir, who recognized the depiction as that of Sheikh Ibrahim Nyass of Kaolack, Senegal. Determined, Nwagui journeyed to Senegal, a trip that spanned nine months. Upon meeting Sheikh Nyass, he immediately recognized him as the man from his dreams. Embracing Islam under Nyass’s guidance, he was bestowed the name Ibrahim Nyass Igbo. He immersed himself in Islamic studies in Senegal from 1951 to 1958.

In 1958, Nwagui returned to Afikpo, introducing Islam to his community. His sincere approach led to a significant number of conversions, with reports indicating that 95% of Enohia’s population, approximately five thousand people, embraced Islam.

Recognizing the need for structured Islamic education, Sheikh Nwagui established the Islamic Centre in Afikpo in 1965. Initially starting as a mosque, the center expanded to include a primary school and later a secondary section. By 2022, the primary section accommodated 450 pupils, while the secondary section had 500 students. The curriculum encompassed Arabic language, Islamic studies, and conventional subjects like physics, English, biology, chemistry, literature, mathematics, and Igbo. The center’s holistic approach has produced graduates who have excelled in various fields, including medicine, engineering, the armed forces, and religious leadership.

The Nigerian Civil War (1967-1970) posed significant challenges to Nwagui’s mission. He temporarily relocated to Lagos, and his residence in Afikpo was destroyed by Biafran soldiers. Undeterred, upon returning post-war, he resumed his leadership role, providing aid to refugees irrespective of their religious affiliations.

Sheikh Nwagui’s vision extended beyond the Islamic Centre. He aspired to establish a hospital, library, Islamic university, and farm settlement, aiming to create a comprehensive community development framework. While not all these projects materialized during his lifetime, the Islamic Centre stands as a testament to his dedication, symbolizing the spread of Islam in Nigeria’s South East. The center has produced thousands of graduates, many of whom have risen to prominent positions in various sectors.

Sheikh Ibrahim Nwagui passed away in 1976 in Owerri, Imo State. His enduring legacy is evident in the thriving Islamic community in Afikpo and the continued success of the Islamic Centre, which remains a beacon of Islamic education and scholarship in the region.

Professor Zakariyau Idrees-Oboh Oseni:

Born on December 20, 1950, in Auchi, Nigeria, Professor Zakariyau Idrees-Oboh Oseni has established himself as a distinguished scholar in Arabic and Islamic studies, as well as a poet and community leader. His academic journey commenced at the University of Ibadan, where he earned a Certificate in Arabic and Islamic Studies in 1971, followed by a B.A. First Class Honours in Arabic Language and Literature in 1977, an M.A. in Arabic and Islamic Studies in 1980, and a Ph.D. in Arabic Language and Literature in 1984.

With over three decades of lecturing experience, Professor Oseni has significantly influenced the fields of Arabic and Islamic studies in Nigeria. He has authored more than 100 publications, encompassing various genres such as poetry, plays, short stories, and scholarly articles.

Notable works include:

A Guide to Muslim Names with Special Reference to Nigeria (1981).
Supplication in Allah’s Excellent Names (1993).
Islam and Muslims in Nigeria in the 21st Century (1998).
Islam and Communal Responsibility (1998).
Sparks in the Dark (2001).
Prose and Drama in Nigerian Literature in Arabic: The Journey So Far (2002).

His literary prowess extends to creative writing in Arabic, English, and Etsako, reflecting a deep engagement with both scholarly and creative expressions.  Beyond academia, Professor Oseni has played pivotal roles in various capacities.

He has served as an editorial consultant to fifteen academic journals within Nigeria and internationally, contributing to the advancement of scholarly discourse. At the University of Ilorin, he led the multidisciplinary Department of Religions from 1997 to 1999 and the Department of Arabic from 2008 to 2009, fostering academic excellence and interdisciplinary collaboration. In his hometown, he serves as the Chief Imam and Waziri, positions that underscore his commitment to spiritual leadership and community development. His tenure has been marked by efforts to revitalize Muslim heritage and promote unity.

Professor Oseni’s dedication has earned him recognition as a guardian of the Arabic language in Nigeria. His retirement from the University of Ilorin was celebrated for his immense contributions to Arabic studies, with the department being acknowledged as a Center of Excellence under his guidance.   

Through his scholarly works, leadership roles, and community engagement, Professor Zakariyau Idrees-Oboh Oseni has left an indelible mark on the landscape of Arabic and Islamic studies in Nigeria, inspiring future generations to pursue knowledge and uphold cultural heritage.

Conclusion
The legacies of these scholars continue to shape Islamic scholarship and the intellectual landscape of Nigeria. Their dedication to knowledge, spirituality, and community development highlights the profound impact of Islamic teachings on society. As we explore more prominent scholars in our upcoming series, look forward to further insights into the lives and contributions of those who have enriched Nigeria’s Islamic tradition.

To be continued….

Read Series Three Here: https://peacemagazine.com.ng/prominent-scholars-in-nigeria-and-some-of-their-contributions-series-three/

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