By Ibrahim Kegbegbe
The Federation of Muslim Women’s Associations in Nigeria (FOMWAN) has congratulated Professor Bilkisu Shinkafi on her appointment as the pioneer Vice Chancellor of Tazkiyah University, describing the development as a landmark achievement for Muslim women in academia and leadership across the country.
In a congratulatory message signed by FOMWAN’s National Amirah, Dr. Sumaye Fadimatu Hamza, and the National PRO, Hauwa Kulu Abdullahi, the association lauded Professor Shinkafi’s elevation as “a shining testimony to her dedication, scholarship, and exemplary leadership.”
Tazkiyah University, which is reputed to be the first female Islamic university in Northern Nigeria, made history with the appointment of Professor Shinkafi — a renowned scholar and advocate for women’s education — as its first Vice Chancellor.
According to FOMWAN, the appointment represents “a moment of immense pride and inspiration to Muslim women across Nigeria and beyond,” and affirms the organization’s vision of promoting education, empowerment, and positive representation of Muslim women in every sphere of national life.
“As the first Vice Chancellor of the first female university in Northern Nigeria, Professor Shinkafi has blazed a trail for others to follow,” Dr. Hamza stated. “Her achievement underscores that women, guided by Islamic principles, can lead with wisdom and integrity at the highest levels of academia.”
A Trailblazer in Academia
Professor Bilkisu Shinkafi, a distinguished scholar of Islamic Studies and Gender Development, has had a remarkable career spanning over two decades in higher education. She previously served as the Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Islamic Studies at a leading Nigerian university and was also a visiting lecturer at several institutions focused on women’s education and community empowerment.
Her research interests centre on Islamic jurisprudence, women’s rights, and educational reform in Northern Nigeria, with numerous published papers in both local and international journals. She is known for mentoring young female academics and promoting inclusive educational policies that encourage Muslim women to pursue advanced learning and leadership roles.
Faith, Leadership, and Legacy
FOMWAN noted that Professor Shinkafi’s track record in research, community service, and Islamic education has earned her respect within and outside the academic community. Her appointment, they added, would further motivate young Muslim women to pursue higher education and leadership roles.
FOMWAN also prayed for divine guidance and success for the new Vice Chancellor, urging her to steer the university toward “greater heights of distinction, innovation, and impactful contributions to knowledge and humanity.”
“We pray Almighty Allah (SWT) grants her wisdom and strength to pilot the affairs of this great institution,” the statement read. “May her tenure lay a foundation of excellence that will inspire future generations.”
Tazkiyah University, located in Northern Nigeria, is envisioned as a centre of learning for women that integrates modern education with Islamic values. It aims to bridge the gender gap in higher education while promoting research, moral development, and leadership among Muslim women.
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Education advocates and community leaders have also praised the appointment as a step toward inclusiveness and gender balance in university leadership, especially in a region where female representation in academic administration remains limited.
For FOMWAN — a national body that has for decades championed women’s education, community development, and faith-based empowerment — the appointment signifies the beginning of a new era in Muslim women’s contribution to nation-building.
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“This milestone is not just Professor Shinkafi’s personal success,” said Mrs. Abdullahi, the National PRO. “It is a collective triumph for Muslim women who continue to break barriers while upholding faith and excellence.”
