Muslim News Nigeria Celebrates 30 Muslim Women of Substance, Part 2 [Series A]

1. The Compassionate Architect: Hajiya Nana Kashim Shettima

Nigeria’s Second Lady, Hajiya Nana Kashim Shettima, is a Muslim woman of substance dedicated to humanitarian causes. She previously served as First Lady of Borno State, building a legacy of compassion through her SWOT Foundation. She continues to support national initiatives alongside her husband, Senator Kashim Shettima, balancing faith with service to the vulnerable.

In February 2026, she represented the First Lady at the 30th General Assembly of the Organization of African First Ladies for Development in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, advocating for women, girls, and Africa’s health security.

Through the Renewed Hope Initiative of First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, she leads programmes in healthcare, education, and economic empowerment. She has commissioned maternal health facilities, distributed sanitary products and grants to women, and provides monthly food support to vulnerable communities.

As CEO of the SWOT Foundation and the Model Orphanage Integrated School in Maiduguri, she continues to provide education and care to thousands of children, demonstrating how faith and dedication drive lasting social impact.

2. Dr. Falmata Zulum: Faith, Leadership, and Lasting Impact in Borno

Her Excellency, Dr. Falmata Babagana Umara Zulum, First Lady of Borno State, combines academic excellence with faith-driven service. A PhD holder and vocal advocate for women’s welfare, she has transformed the office of the First Lady into a center for social support and empowerment. She is a strong partner to her husband, His Excellency, Governor Babagana Umara Zulum, showing that modesty and leadership go hand in hand.

Her initiatives focus on education, health, and community empowerment. She launched the Renewed Hope elderly support scheme, flagged off empowerment programmes for World Disability Day, promoted exclusive breastfeeding, and supported immunization campaigns. She has distributed exercise books to students and is building schools for women and nomadic communities.

In August 2025, she was promoted to Associate Professor at the University of Maiduguri. Through her continuous humanitarian and empowerment efforts, Dr. Falmata Babagana Umara Zulum demonstrates how faith, knowledge, and compassion can transform communities.

3. Hajiya Hadiza Umar Namadi: Faith driven compassion shaping lives in Jigawa

In Jigawa State, Her Excellency, Hajiya Hadiza Umar Namadi, First Lady of Jigawa State, blends governance with faith based humanitarian outreach rooted in compassion for the vulnerable. Modestly adorned in hijab, she was honoured as one of the distinguished guests of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques during Hajj 2024 in recognition of her exemplary programmes. She is also widely regarded as a strong pillar of support to her husband, His Excellency, Governor Umar Namadi, who recently emerged Nigerian Muslim Personality of the Year 2024/2025.

Her humanitarian interventions, which continue to expand, focus on empowering women, supporting orphans, and advancing education at the grassroots. She champions mosque construction in nomadic communities to combine learning with spiritual guidance, alongside building Islamiyyah schools for women and the girl child despite limited government support.

Through sustained outreach, maternal support initiatives, and economic empowerment programmes, her work reflects a continuous commitment to faith driven service and inclusive community development.

4. Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele: Faith and Leadership in Ogun State

This Muslimah of substance cannot be pushed aside in her professional life or in politics. Serving her second term as Deputy Governor of Ogun State, Engr. (Mrs.) Noimot Salako-Oyedele oversees major infrastructure projects and social programmes while maintaining her professional Muslim identity, modestly adorned in hijab. She brings over 30 years of engineering expertise to public service and serves as a model for Nigerian women, showing that faith and excellence go hand in hand.

In February 2026, she visited the scene of a fatal tanker accident at the Ota Toll Gate axis, directed authorities to clear illegal encroachments, and led a delegation to Kano State to console families of young athletes who died in a road accident.

She participated in commissioning key roads in Abeokuta and represented the Governor in honoring Nigeria’s best teacher for 2025. She also attended the final rites of Mama Lucia Onabanjo, widow of Ogun State’s first civilian governor.

Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele continues to demonstrate how technical skills, public service, and faith-driven leadership can inspire and transform communities.

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5. Prof. Suwaibah Said Ahmad: Leading Nigeria’s Educational Reforms

Prof. Suwaibah Said Ahmad, Minister of State for Education, has climbed the academic ladder at Bayero University Kano to become a leading figure in Science Education. Her career shows that a Muslimah can lead national intellectual reform while remaining deeply rooted in her faith.

She is actively driving reforms in teacher welfare, healthcare education, and gender inclusiveness. She has endorsed the “Let There Be Teachers” Conference, which convenes thousands of teachers, and supports the National Teachers’ Pledge to improve professional standards.

She also advocates for women’s representation in governance and the Reserved Seats for Women Bill, attending events such as the International Women’s Day celebration organized by the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations.

Prof. Ahmad engages with displaced communities, promoting the integration of education and health services through public-private partnerships. Her work demonstrates a commitment to inclusive and sustainable educational development across Nigeria.

6. Hon. Rukayat Shittu: The Voice of Youth in Kwara State

At 26, Hon. Rukayat Shittu became Nigeria’s youngest lawmaker, representing Owode/Onire in Kwara State. A journalist and former student leader, she demonstrates that Muslim women can lead and make a difference while remaining true to their faith. Her work in the Assembly includes sponsoring bills on power sector reform and girl-child education.

She chairs the House Committee on Youth, Sports, and Information, overseeing the Ministerial Budget Defence to ensure transparency and alignment with state development goals. She has sponsored key legislation, including the Kwara State Electric Power Sector Bill and the Unexplained Wealth Bill, aimed at improving infrastructure and public sector transparency.

In her constituency, she launched a “3-in-1 Empowerment Programme”, distributing grants to business owners, solar street lights for safety, and textbooks to schools. She also facilitated the construction of four major roads and actively participates in party initiatives to strengthen local governance. Hon. Shittu continues to inspire young women, showing that age and modesty are no barriers to impactful leadership.

7. Prof. Fatimah Abdulkareem: Medicine and Leadership

Prof. Fatimah Abdulkareem, Professor of Anatomical Pathology at UNILAG and LUTH, is a leading specialist in cancer pathology with over 25 years of experience. She serves as the 2nd National Ameerah of The Criterion, combining medical excellence with faith-driven leadership.

She is the Pioneer Dean of the Faculty of Basic Clinical Sciences at UNILAG and Director of the Medical Education Development Unit, overseeing student orientation programs and faculty development. She leads international research on breast and colorectal cancers in collaboration with institutions such as Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and Northwestern University, while providing consultant services at LUTH.

She is the Founder of the FAJIM Medical Foundation, supporting underserved Nigerians and providing scholarships to medical students. Prof. Abdulkareem also serves on the Central Coordinating Committee of the Muslim Ummah of South West Nigeria and is a prominent leader within The Criterion. Her work exemplifies how a Muslimah can excel in medicine, education, and community service while remaining grounded in faith.

8. Prof. Saudat Salah Abdulbaqi: The Voice of the Airwaves

Prof. Saudat Salah Abdulbaqi, Professor of Mass Communication at the University of Ilorin, is one of the few Muslim women in hijab to rise to professorial rank in her field. A former Head of Department and now Dean, she has trained thousands of journalists while showing that professional excellence and religious devotion can go hand in hand.

She is a Fellow and National Council member of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR). She recently announced that the 2026 Nigeria Public Relations Week will be held in Kaduna and addressed findings from NIPR’s Reputation Index, urging Nigerians to avoid narratives that harm the country’s image.

In administration, she leads the Faculty of Communication and Information Sciences, oversees five departments, engages alumni to improve student readiness, and continues research in Development Communication, Public Relations, and Health Communication.

Prof. Abdulbaqi exemplifies how a Muslim woman in hijab can excel in communication, leadership, and national service while staying true to her faith.

9. Prof. Khadijah Idowu: The Guardian of the Ledger

Prof. Khadijah Idowu, Head of Accounting at Lagos State University, is an expert in Public Sector Accounting and forensic audit. She ensures transparency and integrity in public finance and demonstrates how a disciplined Muslim woman can lead in governance and education.

She advocates financial independence and has spoken at events like the Global Impact Professionals Convention. She has also participated in religious and academic programs, including GMP and Al-Mu’minaat conferences, educating and sensitizing attendees on ethics, leadership, and financial literacy.

Prof. Idowu is Vice President of the Muslim Lecturers Association and recently chaired its 2025 National Research Conference. She champions women’s empowerment through her foundation, supports research on government financing and forensic accounting, and serves as an examiner for ICAN and NOUN. She exemplifies how faith, expertise, and leadership can create lasting impact in education, governance, and society.

10. Prof. Lateefat Durosinmi: The Chemistry of Leadership

Prof. Lateefat Durosinmi was among the early Muslim women in Nigeria to reach the rank of Professor. She has long championed the education and empowerment of Muslim women, especially in the South-West. As former Dean of Student Affairs at Obafemi Awolowo University, she guided students through a challenging campus environment and served as National President of the Federation of Muslim Women’s Associations in Nigeria.

She founded the Lateefah Moyosore Durosinmi Foundation, which provides scholarships to students and grants to women entrepreneurs, including support for students with disabilities at Lagos State University.

She remains active in the Muslim Ummah of South-West Nigeria, mentoring the next generation of Muslim women leaders. Prof. Durosinmi demonstrates how a Muslim woman can excel in science, leadership, and community service while remaining deeply rooted in her faith.

11. Prof. Olayinka Ramota Karim: Pioneering Muslim Woman Leader

Prof. Olayinka Ramota Karim, Professor of Food Science and Technology, is the first female Vice-Chancellor of Fountain University, Osogbo, owned by the Nasrul-Lahi-l-Fatih Society (NASFAT). She is among the few Muslim women who have risen to lead a university in Nigeria, combining academic excellence with faith-driven leadership.

Since March 2023, she has strengthened the university’s facilities, hosted major academic events, and promoted sports and student development. She also chairs the Consortium of Islamic Faith-Based Universities in Nigeria and advocates for the protection of university resources.

Prof. Karim exemplifies how a Muslim woman in hijab can excel in leadership, scholarship, and community impact, proving that faith and professional achievement go hand in hand.

12. Dr. Salma Anas Ibrahim: Leading Health with Faith

Dr. Salma Anas Ibrahim, Special Adviser to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Health, has over 30 years of experience in public health, including serving as Commissioner of Health in Borno State during regional crises. She balances high-level international roles with WHO and UNFPA while maintaining her identity as a covered Muslim woman, showing that faith can guide leadership.

She has represented Nigeria at global forums such as the Africa Nordic Health Summit in Sweden and the International Conference on Family Planning in Colombia. Domestically, she advocates for stronger health financing, expanded insurance coverage, and programs to prevent non-communicable diseases. She conducts inspections of primary healthcare centers and oversees initiatives to improve maternal, child, and adolescent health.

As Chair of the Presidential Advisory Sub-Committee on Health, she leads efforts to revamp the State House Medical Center and implement the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative. Dr. Anas Ibrahim exemplifies how faith, expertise, and public service can transform healthcare in Nigeria.

13. Bldr. Abdul Hamid Jelilat Oyinlade: Builder, Leader, and Mentor Empowering Women

A woman of grace, competence, and unwavering faith, Bldr. Abdul Hamid Jelilat Oyinlade is a respected professional and faith based leader whose impact spans the building industry and Muslim women development.

She currently serves as the National Amirah of Al Mu’minaat, the Believing Muslim Women Organisation, where she offers spiritual guidance, mentorship, and strategic leadership to women nationwide.

In the public sector, she has held notable responsibilities in the building profession and now leads as National Chairman of the Association of Builders in Public Service, promoting professional standards, collaboration, and ethical practice. Beyond her offices, she is widely regarded as a mentor to many women, both Muslims and non Muslims, nurturing leadership, personal growth, and community service.

Her journey reflects years of dedicated service, combining professional excellence with faith driven advocacy, while inspiring younger generations through mentorship, capacity building, and commitment to societal development.

14. Dr. Maimunat Musa Suleiman: The Academic Trailblazer

Dr. Maimunat Musa Suleiman of Ankpa, Kogi State, graduated in 2025 from Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, as the Overall Best Student, earning top honors in Surgery, Pediatrics, Community Medicine, Pathology, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical Microbiology, and Clinical Sciences. She was also recognized as the best female medical student. Her graduation charted major awards, marking her as a standout achiever among her peers.

Standing proudly in her hijab, Dr. Suleiman exemplifies how religious faith and academic excellence can coexist. She is featured under our Students and Graduates category of Muslim Women of Substance, inspiring young women across Nigeria to pursue education at the highest level while remaining true to their faith and values.

15. Dr. Khadija Muhammad Garba: Pioneer, Scholar, and Role Model

Dr. Khadija Muhammad Garba is a trailblazing medical doctor from Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi. She graduated in 2025 as one of the first students of the MBBS program and emerged as the top-performing student in her class. She is a hijabite and proudly recognized in our Students and Graduates category of Muslim Women of Substance.

Admitted in 2016 to study Biochemistry, she later joined ATBU’s new medical program.

Many classmates struggled or withdrew, but her dedication, resilience, and faith helped her excel in a highly competitive environment. At her 2025 convocation, she received nine major awards, including Overall Best Graduating Student, Provost’s Award for All-Round Excellence, Best Female Graduating Student, and top honors in Pre-Clinicals, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Pathology, and Haematology and Blood Transfusion.

In a male-dominated field, Dr. Khadija’s success as a Muslim woman in hijab inspires young girls, showing that faith and academic excellence can go together. Her work in Bauchi clinics provides comfort and representation to patients. She continues to build a legacy of courage, intellect, and service while mentoring the next generation and contributing to her community’s health and wellbeing.

… CONTINUE READING HERE 

If you also missed Part 1, first published four years ago, read it HERE

Buhari, Sambo, Bagudu, Inuwa, others make ’30 Nigerian Muslim Women of Substance’

Nigerian Muslim Personalities of the Year 2024/2025

Global Muslim Personalities of the Year 2024/2025

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