Renowned Islamic Scholar, Founder of Imam Hamzat COED Sheikh Hamzat Ariyibi Dies at 65
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.
Cloud Tag: What's trending
Click on a word/phrase to read more about it.
Aliyu Adebayo Mohammed Alabi Lawal Ijakadi Niguel Gallando Marcias LAK Jimoh Suleiman Yahya Alapansapa Aliyu Kora Sabi Oluwatoyin Lukman Abdullahi G. Mohammad Lawal Arinola Kudirat Abubakar Baba Sulaiman Tunji Oyawoye Ophthalmological Society Of Nigeria Abdulfatai Ahmed National Party Of Nigeria Issa Baba AbdulKareem Yusuf Danhawa Adama Isa Lola Ashiru Kwara Pdp Nigeria Association Of Women Journalists Alfa Belgore Erubu Amusa Bello Presidential Election Sayomi Sa\'ad Alanamu Busari Toyin Isiaka Aisha Buhari Alimi Bola Magaji Saliu Mustapha Radio Kwara Bola Iyabo Ibiyeye Adisa Abdulazeez Uthman Ogbondoroko Bankole Omisore Susan Modupe Oluwole Orire Suleiman Abubakar Diagnostic Centre Kulende-UITH Ilorin West Emir Of Ilorin Ishaq Salman Okin Group Okedare Al-Hikmah Radio Fatimat Saliu MATTA Girls Foundation Amos Sayo Hussein Oloyede Peter Obi Esinniobiwa Quareeb EndSARS Abdullah Janet Amudat Mahee Abdulkadir Damilola Yusuf Abdulrahman Abdulrasaq Ezekiel Yissa Benjamin General Tunde Idiagbon International Airport Ilorin Mahmud Ayinla Giwa Senate President Quareeb Islamic Association Lanre Badmas Kwarareports.com Bayo Mohammed Onimode Opolo Global Innovation Limited Baba Idris Elerinjare-Ibobo Islamiya Abdulraheem Zubair Folorunsho Erubu Aasiyat Bello Oyedepo Code Of Conduct Tribunal Olaiya Zuberu Kwara State Health Insurance Agency Mashood Abdulrafiu Agboola

