Shaykh Dr. Jumah Adam Abdullah Al-Ilori, PhD (Oladimeji Ishola)
Early Life and Education
Shaykh Dr. Jumah Adam Abdullah Al-Ilori was born on November 28, 1975, in Ojuelegba, Surulere, Lagos, Nigeria. He hails from a lineage of esteemed Islamic scholars, being the son of Sheikh Adam Abdullah Al-Ilori, a renowned Islamic scholar of Agbogunmati, Omoda, Ilorin, Kwara State. His mother, Alhaja Rafatu, originates from Ede, Osun State. Raised in a devout Muslim household, he was nurtured in an environment that placed a high value on knowledge, wisdom, and community service.
His formal journey into Islamic education began at the tender age of two, when he started learning Arabic and Islamic studies at Madrasa Al-Awaliyyah, under the direct tutelage of his father in Surulere, Lagos. His early exposure to religious and linguistic studies shaped his intellectual foundation.
For his primary education, he enrolled at Yaba Model Primary School, Yaba-Ojuelegba, Lagos, in 1981 at the age of six. Here, he excelled in his studies, developing a strong academic foundation. He later proceeded to Ransome-Kuti Memorial Grammar School in 1987, where he completed his secondary education in 1993-1994. Throughout his early education, his dedication to both secular and religious learning was evident, positioning him for future academic and professional achievements.
Academic Pursuits
Driven by a deep passion for Islamic knowledge, he pursued advanced studies at Markaz Ta’leem Al-Arabi Al-Islami, Agege, Lagos, following his completion of formal English education. From 1994 to 1998, he was a distinguished student and was appointed Nakib (Class Captain) due to his leadership qualities and academic excellence.
He successfully completed his Idadiyyah in 1998-1999 and progressed to the Thanawiyyah, which he completed in 2001-2002. His pursuit of knowledge was not limited to religious studies alone. He simultaneously attended Kwara State Polytechnic between 1998 and 2002, where he studied Architecture. This unique combination of Islamic scholarship and technical education broadened his intellectual scope and analytical skills.
His quest for higher Islamic education led him to Al-Azhar University in Cairo, Egypt, one of the world's most prestigious institutions of Islamic learning. He spent four years studying Shari'ah (Islamic Law), successfully graduating in 2006. His education at Al-Azhar refined his expertise in Islamic jurisprudence, theology, and comparative religion.
Career and Achievements
After completing his studies, Shaykh Dr. Al-Ilori began his academic career as an assistant lecturer in Islamic Studies at Kwara State College of Arabic and Islamic Legal Studies (CAILS). His dedication to teaching and research earned him recognition as a scholar committed to knowledge dissemination and intellectual development.
His thirst for further academic excellence led him to pursue a Master’s degree in Islamic Studies at the University of Ilorin, which he successfully completed in 2016. Building upon his scholarly pursuits, he obtained a Doctorate (Ph.D.) in Islamic Studies from Kwara State University, Malete, further solidifying his expertise in Islamic law, theology, and comparative religion.
In addition to his academic contributions, Dr. Al-Ilori is a prolific writer, having authored several books and articles on Islamic jurisprudence, theology, exegesis, and comparative religion. His works have been widely acclaimed for their depth, scholarly insight, and relevance to contemporary Islamic thought.
He is the founder and director of Markaz Al-Itqan Al-Arabi, an institution dedicated to promoting Arabic and Islamic education, research, and community service. Under his leadership, the center has grown into a reputable institution, impacting many students and scholars in Nigeria and beyond.
Furthermore, he has played a crucial role in various Islamic educational initiatives, including the Empowering Minds sponsorship program, aimed at providing scholarships and skill acquisition training for students of Arabic and Islamic studies. His efforts have helped bridge the gap between traditional Islamic education and modern vocational training, ensuring that students are well-equipped for both religious and professional life.
Personal Life and Legacy
Beyond his academic and professional accomplishments, Shaykh Dr. Al-Ilori is known for his piety, humility, and dedication to community service. He is married with children and maintains a strong commitment to family values and mentorship.
Despite his demanding schedule, he remains deeply involved in Islamic teaching, community engagement, and counseling, serving as a spiritual guide to many. His wisdom and knowledge are widely sought after, and he continues to inspire students, scholars, and the broader Muslim community through his lectures, writings, and leadership.
His legacy is one of scholarship, leadership, and unwavering dedication to Islamic knowledge and education, making him a prominent figure in Nigeria’s Islamic scholarly tradition.
A Four-Year Sojourn to Al-Azhar University: A Story of Determination and Faith
The Dream Takes Flight
The journey to Al-Azhar University was not just a passage across borders but a transformative experience that tested my faith, resilience, and perseverance. It was in September 2002 that I embarked on this momentous path, carrying with me a deep-seated dream of immersing myself in the rich Islamic tradition of one of the world’s most prestigious institutions.
Securing admission to Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt, was a significant milestone. I was fortunate to receive a partial scholarship, supported by the generosity of Al-Hajj Dr. Abdul Qadir Juma Sholagberu and other benefactors who believed in my potential. Their support eased the burden, but the real challenge was yet to come—adapting to a new country, culture, and academic rigor.
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Settling in a New World
Upon arrival in Cairo, I settled in Hayy al-Ashir, a lively district bustling with students from across the world. Alongside my fellow Nigerian students, we rented a modest two-bedroom flat in Sakuru Kurage. Those early days were filled with a mixture of excitement and hardship—navigating through a new language, the rigorous Al-Azhar curriculum, and the demands of self-reliance.
In 2003, a new chapter unfolded in my life when my wife joined me in Egypt. Our time together was blessed with the birth of our first daughter and son, a moment that added both joy and responsibility. Balancing the demands of fatherhood with intense academic studies was no small feat, but it reinforced my sense of purpose.
At Al-Azhar, I found myself immersed in a diverse intellectual environment, surrounded by students from various backgrounds. The classroom was a melting pot of cultures and traditions, where ideas were exchanged freely, and learning extended beyond textbooks. Alfa oniitada, Alfa Orioko, and Uthman Jarullahi are some of my classmates, often reminded me of how much I had evolved during my time there.
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Trials and Triumphs
Al-Azhar’s curriculum was rigorous and demanding, requiring unwavering dedication. The long hours of studying, the intense debates on Islamic jurisprudence, and the scholarly discussions on theology—all of these experiences shaped my academic and spiritual growth.
My commitment to learning did not go unnoticed. I was well-known among my peers, not just for my studies but for my ability to adapt and thrive in a challenging academic environment. Every day presented a new lesson, a deeper understanding of faith, and a stronger resolve to fulfill my purpose.
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A Journey to the Haramain
In October 2006, after four years of rigorous study, I completed my coursework and was awarded a temporary certificate (Shahada Mu’aqqata). But my journey did not end there. Before returning to Nigeria, I took the opportunity to embark on a deeply spiritual pilgrimage.
I traveled to Saudi Arabia, where I performed Umrah in Makkah. The experience of standing before the Ka’bah, reflecting on the trials and blessings of my journey, was profoundly humbling. I remained in the Kingdom, eagerly awaiting the opportunity to perform Hajj—a dream that I was blessed to fulfill before returning to Nigeria in January 2007.
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Retrieving the Final Certificate
Despite completing my studies, the process of obtaining my original degree certificate was not immediate. This led me to seek assistance from respected scholars and connections within the Al-Azhar community. It was through the grandson of Sheikh Kamaluddin Safiyullah Kamaluddin that my final certificate was brought to me, marking the official conclusion of my academic journey at Al-Azhar.
Alhamdulillah, I graduated with a 2.2 CGPA, Second Class lower division, testament to the relentless effort and perseverance that defined my four-year sojourn.
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Reflections on a Transformative Journey
Looking back, my time at Al-Azhar was more than an academic pursuit—it was a journey of faith, endurance, and transformation. The experiences, the friendships, and the challenges all contributed to shaping the person I am today.
As I continue on my path of scholarship, teaching, and community service, I remain grateful for the opportunity to have studied at one of Islam’s greatest institutions. My story is a reminder that knowledge is a lifelong journey—one that requires patience, sacrifice, and unwavering trust in Allah’s plan.
Thanks and barakallahu fiikum for giving me the opportunity to share my journey. May Allah bless all those who seek knowledge and strive for excellence.
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