Forty years after its humble birth in the heart of Otubu, Agege, Markaz-ul-Uloom has grown into one of Nigeria’s most respected Arabic and Islamic institutions. On a historic morning filled with reflection and gratitude, scholars, journalists,
alumni, community leaders, and friends gathered for a special press conference to commemorate the institution’s extraordinary journey under the theme “Markaz-ul-Uloom: Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow.”
A Vision Born from Devotion
The Founder and Director, Fadeelatu Sheikh Dr. Tunde Abdulazeez Al-Ideriy, recounted the institution’s origins with humility and deep appreciation to Almighty Allah. The dream of Markaz-ul-Uloom began in his youthful days as a student of Markaz Agege, where the reformist teachings of Sheikh Adam Abdullah Al-Ilory inspired him to envision an institution that would spread Arabic and Islamic learning across Nigeria.
Before involving anyone in the mission, he had already established a flourishing Ilekewu known as “Ilekewu Alfa Abbas,” led two Alasalatu groups—Olohunkemi and Sa‘adah—and maintained a prayer base at Otubu Mosque. These, he narrated, became the foundational “seed capital” he donated entirely to give life to Markaz-ul-Uloom.
But the journey was not without storms. Dr. Al-Ideriy recalled difficult years marked by philosophical disagreements and administrative conflicts that led to a painful separation from his early partners. Yet, through these trials, he remained steadfast:
“Markaz-ul-Uloom has never been a business; it is an amanah from Allah,” he emphasized.
Forty Years Later: A Legacy Standing Firm
Today, the institution stands tall as a powerhouse of Arabic scholarship, producing imams, teachers, professionals, and community leaders across Nigeria and beyond. Despite challenges such as funding and evolving educational demands, Markaz-ul-Uloom continues to thrive—thanks to Allah’s grace and consistent community trust.
A Future Rooted in Scholarship and Reinvention
Just as the Qur’an associates the age of forty with maturity and renewed responsibility, the Markaz now steps into a new era with bold plans:
Digital Literacy Integration for modern da‘wah and global engagement
Vocational and Entrepreneurship Centre to empower students economically
A Modern Arabic & Islamic Training Institute aligned with international standards
Scholarships for indigent students
Expanded community outreach to hospitals, prisons, orphanages, and digital platforms
Long-term vision for Markaz-ul-Uloom University, modeled after global institutions like Al-Azhar
The Founder called on parents, alumni, donors, and partners to support these transformative initiatives.
Unveiling a 15-Day Anniversary Celebration
The Chairman of the Think Tank and Planning Committee, Dr. Salahudeen Taofiq Oladimeji, outlined a rich 15-day schedule reflecting the institution’s spiritual, academic, and community ethos.
The anniversary theme, “Doing It Differently to Achieve a Better Result,” emphasizes innovation while staying rooted in Islamic values.
Highlights include:
Founder’s Day & Maolud Nabiyy
Awareness and Health Rally
Football Tournament
Quiz & Poetry Day
Health outreach and special Jum’ah services
International Symposium at MUSON Centre chaired by HRH Sanusi Lamido Sanusi
Awards ceremonies
Visitations to prisons, hospitals, graveyards, and orphanages
Alumni Mentorship programmes
Arabic Seminar (Nadwah)
Grand Finale & Graduation Ceremony featuring Sheikh Habibullah Adam Abdullah Al-Ilory
Dr. Oladimeji emphasized that the celebrations are not merely for festivity, but a renewal of commitment to discipline, Qur’anic excellence, and societal upliftment.
Alumni: The Living Testimony
Speaking on behalf of the alumni association, Ustaz Abdulqayum Ahmed, highlighted the global impact of Markaz-ul-Uloom alumni—from medicine and law to engineering, media, and religious leadership.
For Ustaz Abdulqayum, the next chapter requires deeper alumni engagement:
Stronger mentorship
Career and vocational guidance hub
Expanded scholarship and welfare support
Resource mobilization for the founder’s vision of a vocational institute and future university
“Our greatest strength is our diversity—professionals from every field, all grounded in Islamic ethics,” he said.
A Celebration, A Covenant Renewed
The 40th Anniversary of Markaz-ul-Uloom is not just a celebration of the past but a reaffirmation of a sacred trust. From a small Ilekewu to a growing educational movement, the institution stands as proof that with sincerity, sacrifice, and community support, greatness can emerge from the simplest beginnings.
As the institution begins its next forty years, the message from all speakers was unified: this is only the beginning.
May Allah continue to bless Markaz-ul-Uloom, its founders, teachers, students, and all who carry its light into future generations.
