Deserved Glory: Prof. Oladimeji Takes the Helm as Al-Hikmah University's New VC
By Olatidoye Akeem
Given the current challenges and future prospects of university education, Professor Lateef Folorunsho Oladimeji is exceptionally well-suited to provide all that is necessary for the fastest growing first Islamic faith based University in Nigeria; the Al-Hikmah University, to an enviable standard.
Universities are crucial for nation-building, driving economic, social, and cultural development, and shaping the future of a nation.
Some of the key significances of a better University include;
Human Capital Development: Universities produce skilled, knowledgeable, and competent graduates who drive innovation, entrepreneurship, and economic growth.
Research and Innovation: Universities conduct research, generate new ideas, and develop solutions to address national challenges, fostering innovation and progress.
This Nigeria first faith based Islamic University, has been playing significant roles in promoting education, research, and community development as well as integrating Islamic values and principles since over two decades of its existence.
The University, which is situated in Ilorin, the capital of Kwara State has provided high-quality education that blends Islamic values with modern knowledge and skills to many who are now across the world impacting positively, and contributing to various sectors.
On Monday, July 14th, 2025, at approximately 12:20 pm, Professor Lateef Folorunsho Oladimeji officially took office as the 6th substantive Vice-Chancellor of Al-Hikmah University, Ilorin, at the institution's Adeta campus.
Professor Oladimeji is widely known as a very active and devoted Muslim, experienced person, humble, perfect gentle man, and hardworking, very tolerant, and cheerful giver.
As the university navigates the complexities of modern education, Professor Oladimeji's leadership would be invaluable in propelling Al-Hikmah University to new heights.
Upon Professor Oladimeji's appointment being publicly announced, following a rigorous and thorough evaluation process alongside other candidates, he emerged victorious. Globally, those familiar with him and his work quickly and spontaneously extended warm congratulations, recognizing his exceptional qualifications to lead the university, particularly in today's evolving educational landscape.
Several esteemed personalities, who attended various programmes held in honour of Professor Lateef Oladimeji, offered glowing tributes and even prayers for his outstanding performance and resounding success.
Notable among them are, the Chief Imam of Ilorin, Sheikh Muhammed Bashir; the founder and the BOT Chairman of the Al-Hikmah University, Alhaji (Dr) Abdulraheem Oladimeji;former Vice Chancellor of Al-Hikmah University,Prof Musbau Akanji;Alhaja Monsurat Johnson, former Amirah Unilorin Muslim Ladies Circle; Imam Suleiman Ajani Adesina, Chief imam Mubo central mosque;Imam Luqman Oladimeji, Deputy chief imam Oko ode central mosque ; management and staff of Al-Hikmah University; friends and family are Oladimeji; and a former Commissioner in Kwara State, Alhaji Kaleel Bolaji.
Also Alhaja Biliqis Olanrewaju, Former Amirah FOMWAN Ilorin south; Alhaji Lamidi kadri Provost, School of Nursing Sciences, Oke-Ode; FOMWAN Amirah, Kwara State,Hajia Neemat Labaika; Alhaji AbdulRazaq Akanbi, General Manager, Kwara State Television; Hajia Ologuntere, former head of the Wives of the Road Safety Officer Wives; Kwara State Chairman, NURTW, Alhaji Razaq Ariwoola; Dr Idowu Olanrewaju, Proprietor Olanrewaju Hospital ;Alhaja Fatimah Jimoh FOMWAN Da'wah Officer; Alhaja Biliqis Olanrewaju,Former Amirah FOMWAN Ilorin South among others.
The academic community was filled with with excitement as they welcome the new Vice Chancellor because it was generally believed that the esteemed institution is poised to embark on a new journey of excellence under the leadership of a visionary man, a goal getter and a distinguished administrator.
With a proven track record of religion background, academic leadership, and a deep understanding of the complexities of higher education, the new Vice Chancellor is well-equipped to navigate the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.
Oladimeji's appointment is in recognition to his dedication to the pursuit of knowledge and his commitment to the development of human being and education.
The 6th Vice Chancellor of Al-Hikmah University, and first internal Vice Chancellor to be appointed, Prof. Oladimeji has cognit experience in collaborating with relevant agencies and stakeholders to fund programs and activities. His vision and mission is to introduce Information Technology upgrades and revolutionize the university's system to compete favorably with the world class University.
In light of the evolving landscape of higher education, Professor Oladimeji's qualifications and vision make him an excellent fit for Al-Hikmah University.
Presenting some of the citations of new Vice Chancellor of Al-Hikmah University to you will further convince all and sundry that the first Islamic faith based University in Nigeria has made a very best choice in their selection.
Prof. Lateef Folorunsho Oladimeji was born on 9th April, 1963 in Lagos to the family of Late Chief Imam Alh. Oseni Oladimeji and Alhaja Muneerat Oladimeji. He hails from Doyin Compound of Oko-Ode in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State.
After Post-Primary Education, Lateef Oladimeji proceeded to Lagos Secondary Commercial Academy (LASCA), Obakoro. He was the first student to register for IRK in the School and made A2 in 1981 West African School Certificate (WASC). Later, he went to the University of Ilorin in 1983 where he obtained his Bachelor of Arts degree (B.A. Hons.) with Second Class Honours (Upper Division) in Islamic Studies.
Again, he was the best student in Islamic Studies during the 1987 Convocation and was thus given the Islamic Publications Bureau Award for the year. For this feat, Lateef Folorunsho Oladimeji was retrained in his Department (Religions) Faculty of Arts for the mandatory National Youth Services (NYSC) Programme in 1987/88 service year.
He also won the Unilorin Postgraduate Scholarship Award which enabled him pursued and successfully completed his Master of Arts degree (M.A.) in Islamic Studies, 1989.
Lateef Folorunsho Oladimeji enrolled and successfully completed another Master degree in Public Administration (MPA), in 1995 for his organization and leadership qualities, he was the elected Pioneer Director-General (D.G.) of the Association of Master of Public Administration Students (AMPAS) for the 1994/95 Academic year.
In addition, he enrolled and successfully completed his Postgraduate Diploma in Education (PGDE) in 2000 and to cap it all, he bagged his Doctor of Philosophy degree (Ph.D.) in Islamic Studies in 2005, all from the University of Ilorin, Nigeria. He rose through the rank to become a professor of Islamic Studies in 2018, thus becoming one of the home-grown professors of Al-Hikmah University.
Prof. Oladimeji began his teaching career at Crescent Nursery and Primary School, Victoria Island in 1981 as a Junior Staff teaching Arabic and Islamic Studies. After his University Education, he worked briefly with the Peoples Bank of Nigeria as filed officer before joining the service of the Kwara State College of Education, Oro as Assistant Lecturer in 1992.
He rose through the ranks to the position of Principal Lecturer and Head of Department of Islamic Studies and was there up till 2006 when he voluntarily withdrew his service form the College to join the newly established Al-Hikmah University as Lecturer I. He was one of the few pioneer staff and member of the senate of the University since its inception.
To date, Prof. Lateef Folorunsho Oladimeji has 53 Academic Publications from Journals, (14 Nos) Local, National and International as well as 24 Nos chapter in Books to his credit.
He also has 3 Nos Instructional materials used by undergraduate students of the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) on Quran and Hadith as well as study materials (Pack) for Diploma Students of the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management (CIPM) to his credit.
For International recognition some of Prof. Oladimejis publications were cited in the 2009 Bulletin of the African Association for the Study of Religions (AASR), based in Botswana.
Membership of Professional Bodies:
Prof. Oladimeji belonged to the following Academic and Professional Bodies both within and outside Nigeria:
Fellow, Chartered Institute of Personnel Management of Nigeria (CIPMN) 2016.
Fellow, Chartered Public Administrators of England and Wales 2006
Member, American Academy of Religion (AAR) Membership No Z1003
Member, African Association for the Study of Religions (AASR);Member, Nigerian Association for the Study of Religions (NASR).
Member, Nigerian Association of Teachers of Arabic and Islamic Studies (NATAIS) ;Member, Nigerian Association for the Study of Religions and Education (NASRED), National Vice-President (West);Member, Nigerian University Scholars of Religions (NUSREL);
General Secretary Omo Ibile Igbomina (2 Terms)Secretary, Oko-Ode Community;
He was the pioneer Inaugural Lecturer for the University titled: The Roving Preachers of the Message: Deconstructing Dawah Across Borders was delivered on Friday, 7th January;
;Pioneer Acting Head of Department, Islamic Studies;
Pioneer Editor, Al-Hikmah Journal for the Humanities;
Pioneer Registrar/Secretary to Governing
;Pioneer Director of Information ; Acting Director, Academic Planning Unit (DAP); Secretary to the Board of Trustees (BOT), Al-Hikmah University ;Former Deputy Vice Chancellor (DVC) ;Dean, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences before he was appointed
;Professor Oladimeji served two terms as Executive Secretary of the Kwara State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board.
;His hobby includes Driving, Reading and Table Tennis.
With his expertise and experience, Professor Lateef Folorunsho Oladimeji is the ideal person to drive Al-Hikmah University forward.
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