The Muslim Public Affairs Centre (MPAC) Nigeria has congratulated the Secretary-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Emeritus Professor Is-haq Olanrewaju Oloyede, on his installation as Kuliyan Sokoto by the Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar.
The traditional title was conferred on Professor Oloyede on November 1, 2026, by the Sultan, who is also the President-General of the NSCIA.
In a congratulatory statement issued by its Executive Chairman, Disu Kamor, MPAC described the honour as more than a traditional title, saying it represents an Amanah (sacred trust) and a call to greater responsibility in the service of humanity.
The organisation noted that the title of Kuliyan Sokoto is rooted in the founding ideals of the Sokoto Caliphate, particularly the promotion of justice, equity, fairness, wisdom, integrity, learning and service.
According to MPAC, the title holder is expected to serve as an ambassador of the Caliphate’s values, uphold truth and act as a bridge between tradition and knowledge, as well as between different regions and communities.
The organisation described Professor Oloyede as deserving of the recognition, citing his contributions to education, public administration and Islamic leadership in Nigeria.
It particularly commended his record of accountability and integrity during his tenure as Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ilorin and Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), noting that his leadership helped strengthen institutional transparency and public confidence.
MPAC also praised his contributions as Secretary-General of the NSCIA, describing his leadership as strategic and scholarly, with significant impact on the Nigerian Muslim community.
The statement highlighted Professor Oloyede’s personal qualities, including piety, humility, selflessness and incorruptibility, stressing that his recognition by the Sokoto Sultanate demonstrates that integrity and excellence transcend ethnic and regional boundaries.
It further noted that his emergence as Kuliyan Sokoto reflects the recognition of his contributions as a Muslim, a Yoruba man from Egbaland and a distinguished scholar committed to public service.
MPAC prayed for Allah’s continued guidance, sound health and long life for the new title holder, expressing hope that his installation would further strengthen the Sokoto Caliphate and benefit the wider Muslim Ummah.
The statement concluded by congratulating Professor Oloyede on his installation and wishing him success in discharging the responsibilities associated with the traditional honour.