In a notable move during his nationwide Ramadan tour, Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 election, visited Sheikh Muhammed Habibullah Adam Abdullah EL-ILORY (OON), a prominent figure in Nigerian Islamic education.
Sheikh Adam Abdullah al-Ilory, a visionary leader behind the transformation of Markaz and The Arabic and Islamic Training Centre, has played a pivotal role in advancing education in Nigeria since 1952. Obi’s visit highlights his dedication to education as a cornerstone of national development, underscored by his participation in the breaking of fasting during Ramadan.
He wrote; Today, as part of my nationwide tour during the holy season of Ramadan, I had the honour of visiting one of Islams’ great minds in Nigeria, Sheikh Muhammed Habibullah Adam Abdullah EL-ILORY (OON).
This great and visionary leader is behind the transformation of Markaz and The Arabic and Islamic Training Centre. Established in Abeokuta in 1952 as the region’s first Arabic training centre, which later moved to Agege, Lagos, in 1957.
Starting with Ibtidaiyyah and expanding to I’dadiyyah and Taojihiyyah, the institution now awards diplomas in affiliation with the University of Ilorin. Sheikh Adam Abdullah al-Ilory founded Markazu’t-ta’limi’1-Arabi al-Islami in 1952, later relocating it to Agege.
Markaz today draws students from across Nigeria and West Africa, with graduates establishing branches throughout the region. Many alumni hold prominent roles in Nigeria, including teaching Arabic and Islamic Studies, administration, and serving as Shari’ ah Court Judges, contributing significantly to national development. This visit underscores my commitment to education, a crucial element for global standards and human advancement.
I also joined them with my little contributions towards the breaking of fasting today. Ramadan Kareem once again. -PO
