Sheikh Imam Hamzat Yusuf Abdulraheem Ariyibi, a distinguished Islamic scholar, educationist, and philanthropist, has passed away at the age of 65.

He died shortly after Juma'at prayers on Friday, 12 September 2025, in Ilorin, Kwara State.

Sheikh Ariyibi was the founder and proprietor of the Imam Hamzat Group of Schools and Visitor to both the Imam Hamzat College of Education and the College of Health Technology, Ilorin. He was widely regarded as an erudite cleric of international standing and a mentor to generations of students and young leaders across Nigeria.

Born in 1960 into the family of Alhaji and Alhaja Yusuf of Ariyibi Compound, Oke-Apomu, Ilorin, he began his Qur'anic education under As-Sheikh Abdulraheem Ariyibi before studying under renowned scholars such as Sheikh Sulaiman Ile Iya Eyin Odi and Alfa Agba Omoleyin.

He attended the Arabic and Islamic Training Centre, Oke Agodi, from 1980 to 1988, and later pursued advanced Islamic studies at the Dawah Propagation Centre in Cairo, Egypt (1994–1995).

In addition to his religious scholarship, Sheikh Ariyibi held diplomas in business administration from Crown Polytechnic, Ado-Ekiti, and Interlinks Polytechnic, Ijebu-Ijesha, reflecting his commitment to blending faith with modern education.

His death has been met with widespread mourning across religious, educational, and community circles in Kwara and beyond.

Over the years, Sheikh Ariyibi received multiple awards, including the "Senior Ambassador Award" from the National Congress of Nigeria, the "Dawah Propagation Merit Award" from the Arabic Students' Association of Al-Hikmah University, and several merit awards from student bodies across Kwara State institutions.

Known for his philanthropy, the late cleric supported both Muslims and non-Muslims and was considered a pillar of strength to the youth of Ilorin and beyond.

Funeral arrangements are expected to be announced by the family in line with Islamic rites.