By Tunji Oladejo
I love him for his humility. I love him for his tremendous respect for the late Dr Dawud Adekilekun, former Chief Imam, UI Central Mosque.
A luminary in Arabic and Islamic scholarship. Professor Mufutau Oloyede Abdulrahmon stands as a towering figure in Nigeria’s academic landscape, etching indelible marks in Arabic and Islamic Studies through scholarship, teaching and community service.
Born in Ile-Ogbo, Osun State, Nigeria, his journey epitomises intellectual rigour, devotion and transformative impact.
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Setting records at the St Mary’s African Church Primary School, Ile-Ogbo, Professor Abdulrahmon’s brilliance shone early. He studied at Shamsu-su‘ūdil-Islam Arabic Institute (1967-1971), grounding him in Arabic scholarship at the University of Ibadan, where he earned a BA (Second Class Upper Division), MA, and PhD in Arabic Language & Literature, milestones reflecting dedication.
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For contributions and leadership, Professor AbdulRahmon has taught at institutions like Oke-Ode Grammar School, Kwara State and Isabatudeen Girls’ Grammar School, Ibadan, Oyo State; supervised 16 doctoral theses (5 graduates are now Professors); rebuilt UI’s Arabic & Islamic Studies Department post-fire; and split the MA programme, enhancing specialisation.
For spiritual and community roles, he is the Chief Imam, UI Central Mosque and Amirul-Muslimeen, Ile-Ogbo (2022).
He has 55 academic works and 120+ homilies showcasing scholarly breadth.
Professor AbdulRahmon is an external examiner in multiple Nigerian/Ghanaian universities, served in the National Assembly Election Tribunal (Plateau State, 1992) and the Almajiri System Integration Committee.
His inaugural lecture, titled, “Of Illiterate Scholars and National Development: The Arabic Webs in Yoruba Loom” (UI, 2012) highlighted Arabic’s role in Yoruba/Nigerian discourse.
Professor Abdulrahmon’s trajectory underscores academic excellence, faith and service. His influence extends through student and community engagement and scholarly output embodying a life devoted to knowledge pursuit societal uplift and intellectual capital.
Professor Mufutau Oloyede Abdulrahmon’s contributions resonate in academia and beyond, a beacon inspiring future generations in Arabic/Islamic studies, education and community leadership.
Congratulations. Best wishes, MaashaAllahu, Sir.
Tunji Oladejo writes from the University of Ibadan via Oladejo65@gmail.com.
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