By Ibrahim Kegbegbe
Renowned Islamic scholar and preacher, Shaykh Imran AbdulMajeed Eleha, has been awarded a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree in Arabic Language, earning an “Excellent” grade in what has become a historic academic milestone at his institution.
The announcement was made on Thursday, April 17, 2025, following the successful defence of his doctoral thesis, which was adjudged exceptional by the external examiner, Professor Moshood Mahmud Jimba, the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic) of Kwara State University (KWASU) and the current Chairman of the Kwara State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board. According to Prof. Jimba, Shaykh Eleha’s work stands out in depth, originality, and academic rigour, making him the first PhD candidate in the university’s Language Department to attain such a distinguished grade.
“This is not just a personal achievement, but a scholarly benchmark for the department,” Prof. Jimba remarked during the public defence session, lauding the quality of the research and the clarity of its contributions to Arabic linguistics and Islamic scholarship in Nigeria.
Shaykh Eleha is widely known in Islamic academic and preaching circles as the founder and chief lecturer at Daaru Na’im Centre for Arabic and Islamic Studies, Lagos. Over the years, he has gained a reputation for combining deep Islamic scholarship with a passion for youth education, particularly in Arabic language and jurisprudence. His teachings and Friday sermons are followed by thousands across Nigeria and the diaspora.
The significance of this academic accomplishment goes beyond personal recognition. It underscores a growing trend of Islamic scholars in Nigeria pursuing advanced academic degrees as a means to deepen their scholarly influence and further bridge traditional Islamic learning with contemporary academic standards.
Professor Jimba, who served as external examiner for the defence, is himself a respected authority in Arabic literature and Islamic studies. He has served in various academic and public service roles, including his current leadership of the state’s Hajj board, where he oversees spiritual and logistical preparation for Nigerian pilgrims to Saudi Arabia.
The university’s Language Department also celebrated the milestone as a symbol of its evolving academic excellence. According to faculty members, Shaykh Eleha’s excellent rating serves as motivation for future candidates and a model of academic diligence in the field of Arabic studies.
In a brief remark after the presentation, Shaykh Eleha expressed gratitude to Almighty Allah, his academic supervisors, and his family. “Alhamdulillāh, for this moment. This journey has been long and rewarding. I dedicate this to all students of knowledge who continue to strive in both the religious and academic realms,” he said.
The event was attended by scholars, students, and well-wishers from across the country, many of whom shared congratulatory messages across social media platforms and Islamic community networks.
As Nigeria’s academic institutions continue to encourage integration between religious scholarship and formal education, achievements like Shaykh Eleha’s represent a beacon of intellectual and spiritual advancement for the country’s Muslim community.
