* LEMU, Hassan Bukar, Muse-Sadiq, Sanusi Monguno, Ajetunmobi, others feature among Muslimah trailblazers breaking barriers
... Excelling in politics, academics,
media, leadership and professions
Muslim News Nigeria proudly presents 30 Muslim Women of Substance Part 2 in celebration of World Hijab Day 2026, a global event observed annually on February 1 that promotes understanding, respect, and solidarity for Muslim women who wear the hijab while highlighting their contributions to society and challenging stereotypes.
This edition builds on the first 2022 release, showcasing outstanding Muslim achievers across diverse fields, representing different regions and including people with special needs.
The women are grouped across professions to reflect inclusivity and excellence. They include professors and PhD holders leading in education, medicine, and communication; accomplished lawyers, corporate leaders, and public servants breaking barriers; policymakers and community leaders shaping society; students and graduates who earned top honors and highest scores in their academic pursuits; and women of determination achieving remarkable milestones despite challenges.
Each of these Muslim women of substance exemplifies how faith, dedication, and resilience inspire change, empower communities, and elevate the Ummah through service, scholarship, and leadership. RASHEED ABUBAKAR and SUMAYYAH ADELOPO write in this compendium, bringing these inspiring stories to life.
16. Hajiya Khadijah Sanusi Monguno: Communicating Hope and Development in the North East & Beyond
Hajiya Khadijah Sanusi Monguno represents a generation of purposeful Northern Nigerian women shaping narratives around recovery, development, and strategic communications. Calm yet resolute, she blends professionalism with compassion, reflecting the quiet influence of women who guide how stories of resilience and progress are told.
Prior to her current role, she headed communications for the World Bank–supported Multi-Sectoral Crisis Recovery Project (MCRP), where she led strategic messaging around large-scale recovery interventions across conflict-affected communities. In that capacity, she strengthened stakeholder engagement, enhanced project visibility, and ensured that development outcomes were communicated with transparency and impact.
She now serves as Head and Technical Assistant on Strategic Communications to the Managing Director of the North East Development Commission (NEDC), supporting public understanding of rehabilitation and reconstruction efforts across the insurgency-affected region. Her role centers on presenting development initiatives with clarity, empathy, and credibility.
Through media engagement, project visibility, and stakeholder communication, Monguno amplifies interventions spanning infrastructure, humanitarian support, and community empowerment in Borno State and Yobe State.
Beyond her official duties, Hajiya Khadijah is a founding member of 1Ummah, a values-driven initiative focused on community cohesion, humanitarian outreach, and faith-inspired social impact. The platform promotes unity, social responsibility, and grassroots development through welfare support, educational initiatives, and collaborative service projects.
She is also an active member of the Muslimah Global Foundation (MGF), an organisation committed to empowering women, children and families through education, mentorship, humanitarian services, and advocacy. The foundation’s work spans skills development, spiritual growth programmes, and structured community support systems aimed at strengthening women, children and youth.
In addition, she served as a pioneer Executive Committee (EXCO) member of the Crescent Multipurpose Cooperative Society (CMCS), a non-interest financial society contributing to the foundation and governance of a platform designed to promote ethical financial empowerment, savings culture, and economic collaboration among members. Her involvement reflected her longstanding commitment to structured community development and collective prosperity.
Deeply passionate about supporting women, children and youth, she actively contributes – through private channels and personal initiatives – to capacity-building efforts in underserved communities. Her focus includes mentorship, educational support, confidence development, and nurturing leadership potential among young people, particularly those from vulnerable backgrounds.
Beyond communications strategy, she remains committed to reshaping regional narratives by highlighting rebuilding, innovation, and resilience. Her journey underscores the power of communication in governance and humanitarian work, portraying her as a Muslim woman of substance whose behind-the-scenes contributions remain vital to national progress.
At the heart of her work and service is her greatest anchor: family. She regards family – husband, children and family as her foundation, the source of her values, strength, and balance , shaping the empathy and integrity she brings into both public service and community engagement.
17. Ms. Aminat Yusuf: The Legal Trailblazer
Ms. Aminat Yusuf made history at Lagos State University in 2025 by graduating with a perfect five-point-zero Cumulative Grade Point Average in Law. She earned the nickname “Protectionist” as a nod to her exceptional achievement, while acknowledging that only Allah is truly the perfectionist. Her success shows that a hijab-wearing woman can excel in one of the most demanding academic fields.
Since graduating, she has been working as an Associate at Olaniwun Ajayi Legal Practitioners, gaining experience in dispute resolution and project finance. In late 2025, she became a Rhodes Scholar, one of the most prestigious global academic honors, and she will start her two-year postgraduate program at the University of Oxford in September 2026.
Ms. Aminat also mentors aspiring lawyers through her planned YouTube channel, “Learning Law with Aminat,” and was granted an automatic employment offer from the Edo State Government in recognition of her achievements. She continues to inspire young Muslim women, showing that academic excellence, professional success, and faith can thrive together.
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18. Ms. Umamah Tajudeen: The Strategic Leader and Student Scholar
A brilliant Muslimah and student scholar in the Muslim Women of Substance category, Umamah Abike Tajudeen graduated with First Class Honours and emerged as the Best Graduating Student of the Department of Insurance at the University of Lagos for the 2024/2025 academic session, earning an outstanding CGPA of 4.90/5.00. Her success reflects discipline, resilience, and strong leadership potential, celebrated by her supportive parents and family.
Currently, Umamah is focused on professional advancement and industry impact. She is one exam away from becoming a Chartered Insurer with the Chartered Insurance Institute of Nigeria and is promoting HustleGuard, a micro insurance solution she co-developed to expand coverage for tricycle operators and underserved communities.
Passionate about ethical finance and financial inclusion, she also engages in public speaking and mentorship, sharing her story of perseverance, including writing UTME three times before gaining admission, to inspire other students.
19. Hajia Azeezat Muse-Sadiq: The Corporate Powerhouse
In the demanding world of Big Law, Hajia Azeezat Muse Sadiq stands out as a Partner whose career reflects excellence, leadership, and unwavering commitment to faith and professionalism. Recognised globally, she was named a Leading Individual for 2025 by Legal 500 EMEA in Banking and Capital Markets as well as Corporate and M and A, while also retaining her Market Leader ranking in IFLR1000 2024.
Beyond transactions, she contributes to capacity building as an ISO 9001 Lead Auditor trainer at Msspace Global, and plays a regulatory role as Chairperson of the Rules Review Committee of the Capital Markets Solicitors Association.
A respected public speaker, she featured at the Trendsetters Teens and Twenties Convention in Lagos and the 2nd IBA African Competition Law Conference in 2025, while currently expanding her expertise in sustainable finance through an ESG Certification Programme with The BoardRoom Africa, further strengthening her influence in governance and corporate innovation.
20. Hajia Fatima Rilwan Ododo: The Tech Visionary
Hajia Fatima Rilwan Ododo, an Igbo Muslim from Enugu State, has overcome marginalisation to excel academically. She earned the Yar’Adua Foundation Scholarship at age eight, won the Cowbell Mathematics Competition in Adamawa State, and graduated secondary school as overall best student and second best NECO candidate.
At the American University of Nigeria, she combined scholarship with leadership and community service, graduating in 2020 as Overall Best Student and Valedictorian with a Bachelor’s in Computer Science and a minor in Mathematics. After working briefly with the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Foundation, she earned a fully funded PhD in Computer Science at Montana State University, specializing in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning.
Hajia Fatima now operates at the forefront of technology, ensuring African voices and Muslim women are represented in AI systems, while her research, grants, and honors position her as a pioneering leader in ethical and inclusive innovation.
21. Ms. Zahra Ahmed Ajetunmobi (Zahralicious): The Young SDG Advocate
Ms. Zahra Ahmed Ajetunmobi, known as Zahralicious, is a 14-year-old Nigerian SDG advocate, author, and public speaker based in Dubai. She first gained recognition in the Muslim community after speaking about Islam and Salah with Nollywood actress Iyabo Ojo and has since inspired youth globally.
In 2025, she became the first Global Youth Ambassador for Pavegen, represented young people at the 80th United Nations General Assembly, and received the Future Sustainability Leader Award.
Ms. Zahra recently published her book, The Journey So Far, and manages the Zahralicious Book Club, now with participants from 47 countries, promoting literature, sustainability, and personal development. She is also recognized for digital learning initiatives through Fiqra Academy.
She continues to inspire leadership through TEDxZaria 2026 and has created a parental community on Zahralicious.com. Her story reflects faith, intellect, and leadership, making her a rising voice for youth and global impact.
22. Hajia Nefisa Umeka Abugu: Advocate of Faith and Integrity
Hajia Nefisa Umeka Abugu is a Nigerian public servant from Enugu State. She graduated from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka with a Bachelor of Science in Economics in 2021. She served as Ameerah of the Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria at UNN and led the Enugu Ezike Muslim Sisters’ Association, supporting young Igbo Muslim women in faith, growth, and unity.
In 2019, she represented MSSN UNN at the Islamic Vacation Course in Kano, earning recognition as an outstanding Igbo Muslim woman for her faith and positive representation. Her experiences have been featured in national media, highlighting resilience and inclusion.
Hajia Nefisa now serves as Assistant Superintendent at the ICPC, focusing on integrity education, public sensitisation, and ethical leadership, while mentoring young Muslim women. She continues to empower women through faith, service, and character, promoting a just and inclusive society.
23. Hajiya Madina Dahiru Maishanu: Fearless Journalist with Faith and Poise
Hajiya Madina Dahiru Maishanu stands out as one of Northern Nigeria’s most fearless and compelling media voices, a journalist whose calm confidence, sharp intellect, and ethical depth continue to redefine broadcast journalism for a new generation. A proud Muslim woman who adorns her hijab with dignity, she reflects her faith while navigating demanding professional spaces, demonstrating that excellence, integrity, and modesty can coexist at the highest level of public engagement.
A Senior Journalist with BBC News Hausa and contributor to BBC Focus on Africa, she is widely recognised for tackling critical issues from social development to security and governance across Northern Nigeria. Her widely discussed interview with Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, former Governor of Kano State, showcased her firm and professional questioning style. She also engaged General Christopher Musa, Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, among others on pressing security concerns, reinforcing her reputation for courageous and substantive journalism.
Beyond interviews, she hosts Mahangar Zamani, a youth centred programme exploring social change and innovation among young Nigerians. Her impact has earned her notable recognition, including the The Future Awards Africa Prize for Journalism in 2025, affirming her status as a leading and inspiring figure in African media.
24. Hajiya Maryam Hassan Bukar (Alhanislam): Inspiring Through Poetry and Peace
Hajiya Maryam Hassan Bukar, widely known as Alhanislam, is another fantastic Muslim woman of substance whose creativity and advocacy continue to make women proud. Through spoken word poetry, she has built a strong platform that promotes healing, resilience, and hope among communities affected by conflict, particularly in Northern Nigeria.
Her journey has taken her from community stages in Borno State to global platforms including the United Nations, where she serves as the first Global Advocate for Peace under the Peace and Security pillar. With powerful storytelling and performances, she champions youth empowerment, gender inclusion, and peace building while proudly reflecting her Muslim identity.
In 2026, she gained further global recognition as one of the peace representatives at the opening ceremony of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, while continuing her poetry performances and youth mentorship efforts. Deeply grounded in faith, family values, and cultural identity, Alhanislam’s journey remains a powerful testament to purpose driven creativity and meaningful impact.
25. Ms. Anifat Sadu: Muslim Woman of Resilience and Global Disability Advocate
Ms. Anifat Sadu is a remarkable Muslim woman who has turned the challenges of living with Cerebral Palsy and OCD into a platform for empowerment and advocacy. As a hijabi speaker and author, she inspires audiences worldwide, showing that faith, determination, and purpose can overcome any barrier.
She has spoken on international stages including BBC and TEDx, promoting disability inclusion, mental health, and equity. As a Disability Inclusion Facilitator with JONAPWD and the Mastercard Foundation, she works to expand opportunities for persons with disabilities.
Ms. Anifat is the best-selling author of Through the Layers: A Journey with Two Disorders and has received the Inclusive Africa Icon Award and the 25 Under 25 Future Forward Female Award. She earned a Bachelor’s in Microbiology at 19, a Postgraduate Diploma in Psychology, and an Associate Degree in Islamic Psychology, and she is currently pursuing a Master’s in Psychology at the University of Lagos.
She continues to advocate for mental health, disability inclusion, and youth empowerment, reshaping narratives and inspiring meaningful change.
26. Princess Jemlat Omolola MKO Abiola-Oyekunle: Media Leader and Humanitarian
Princess Jemlat Omolola MKO Abiola-Oyekunle is a distinguished Muslim woman whose work spans media production, philanthropy, and community leadership. As a TV Producer, she uses media to drive positive narratives and advocate for social change, inspiring women across communities.
She is the Executive Director of the MyWidowsMite Foundation, supporting widows and orphans with resources and sustainable programs. An active member of the Nasrul-Lahi-li-Fatih Society of Nigeria (NASFAT), she serves as Zonal Women Affairs Secretary for NASFAT USA Zone 1 and as an Executive of the NASFAT America Women Charity Group, promoting spiritual growth and charitable outreach.
A member of the iconic MKO Abiola family, Princess Jemlat continues a legacy of service, combining faith-based leadership with global humanitarian impact.
27. Dr. Afusat Adesina: The Clinical Visionary
In a world where precision saves lives, Dr. Afusat Adesina stands out as a force of quiet authority and unwavering faith. A senior pharmacy specialist, she has transformed medication safety in Nigeria, ensuring that every prescription and treatment reaches patients with accuracy and care.
In 2022, she became the only hijab-wearing Muslim woman inducted as a Fellow of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria, joining 112 new fellows recognized for excellence. She is also a Fellow of the West African Postgraduate College of Pharmacy, cementing her reputation as a leading clinical pharmacist.
Beyond her professional achievements, Dr. Adesina mentors younger practitioners, leads hospital committees, and simplifies complex medical data for patient care. She balances a demanding career with her family life, proving that a woman can be both a devoted mother and a respected clinical authority.
28. Hajiya Maryam Lemu: Muslim Woman of Substance Strengthening Families
Hajiya Maryam Lemu, one of the scions of the late Sheikh Ahmed Lemu and Hajiya Aisha Lemu, is a distinguished Muslim woman dedicated to strengthening marriages and shaping homes. Proudly adorning her hijab, she uses faith and practical guidance to restore relationships and teach love and understanding.
She leads the Maryam Lemu Marriage Academy, offering certified premarital masterclasses and hosting programs like the “Guiding Light Iftar” for young women. She also conducts webinars with her husband, Sa’id Takuma, on building lasting marriages.
Professionally, she serves as Head of Administration and Resource Management at New Horizons College, Minna, founded by her parents, and contributes to the Islamic Education Trust (IET) through her consultancy, ProStart Consultants.
Hajiya Maryam has received global recognition, including opening the UN General Assembly in 2025 and serving as an Olympic flag bearer for Nigeria at the 2026 Winter Olympics, reflecting her faith, commitment, and impact on society.
29. DS Nafisat Olakunle Balogun: Trailblazing Muslim Woman in the Nigerian Customs Service
Deputy Superintendent Nafisat Olanike Balogun Ajoke is a distinguished Muslim woman whose career has become a beacon of resilience and progress for women in uniform across Africa. Proudly serving in the Nigeria Customs Service, she recently made history as the first female pilot in the service’s 130-year history, a milestone that has inspired countless young girls to pursue careers in security and aviation.
Her journey began in 2002 as a Customs Assistant in the Airwing unit, where she also served as cabin crew. Through dedication, perseverance, and institutional support, she earned sponsorship to train at the Flying Academy in Miami, Florida, where she completed her pilot training. In December 2024, she officially earned her wings, cementing her place in history as the first woman to serve in the aviation division of the NCS.
As of 2026, Nafisat continues to use her platform to mentor and inspire, encouraging young girls to believe in their potential and pursue their dreams regardless of societal barriers. She emphasizes that “a child of nobody can be somebody,” embodying the values of faith, determination, and service. Her story is a testament to breaking barriers, showing that with perseverance, vision, and faith, even the sky is not the limit.
30. Dr. Amina Ajibola Salihu: Champion of Women’s Empowerment and Social Development
Dr. Amina Ajibola Salihu, PhD, FcMgr, ChMC, mni, is a distinguished Nigerian Muslim woman of substance dedicated to women’s empowerment, social development, and inclusive governance. She has spent decades designing and leading programmes that foster gender equity, social inclusion, and community transformation across Nigeria and Africa.
Her pioneering work includes leadership roles at the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, Oyster Consulting, and the Habiba Dangana Institute for Foundation Work. She has initiated and managed high-impact projects such as Abuja @ 30, the FCT Town Hall Meetings, Project Nurture, and the Nigerian Women’s Trust Fund, creating sustainable opportunities for women and youth.
Dr. Salihu combines policy expertise with practical solutions, advancing maternal health, agro-enterprise, civic engagement, and capacity building. Through mentoring, training, and moderation at national and international forums, she continues to shape leaders, influence policy, and transform communities while grounding her work in faith and service.
In case you missed Part 2 (Series A), read it 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’
Conclusion
This edition of Muslim Women of Substance celebrates resilience, intellect, and faith driven leadership. By showcasing women across professions, regions, and abilities, it affirms that excellence and modesty are not mutually exclusive but complementary. These 30 Muslim women embody the promise that the Ummah’s strength lies in knowledge, service, and moral integrity.
Through their work, they inspire the next generation to pursue education, leadership, and humanitarianism while remaining grounded in faith. From classrooms to boardrooms, hospitals to media studios, and laboratories to legislative chambers, these women are shaping Nigeria and the world, proving that the hijab is not only a symbol of identity but also a beacon of empowerment and social impact.
Nigerian Muslim Personalities of the Year 2024/2025
Global Muslim Personalities of the Year 2024/2025
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