Professor Razaq Deremi Abubakre is a distinguished Nigerian academic, scholar, and administrator. He’s a native of Iwo and was born on January 20, 1948.
Abubakre earned his Bachelor’s degree in Arabic from the University of Ibadan in 1976, graduating as the best graduating student with First Class (Honors). He then proceeded to the University of London’s School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS) in 1977, where he completed his Ph.D. in Arabic in less than three years, in 1980.
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In 1989, at the age of 41, Professor Abubakre made history by becoming the first Yoruba Muslim Professor of Arabic, a remarkable achievement just nine years after completing his doctoral degree. He began his academic career as a Lecturer at the University of Ilorin in 1985, rising through the ranks to become a Professor of Arabic in 1989. He served as the Dean of the Faculty of Arts at the University of Ilorin from 2004 to 2008.
In 2008, Professor Abubakre became the first indigenous son of Iwo to be appointed as a substantive Vice-Chancellor of a university, leading Al-Hikmah University from 2008 to 2010. He later became the Vice-Chancellor of Al-Hikmah University, Ilorin, Kwara State, serving from 2012 to 2017.
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Throughout his career, Professor Abubakre has demonstrated a strong commitment to academic excellence, research, and community service. He has published numerous articles and books in his field and has supervised several Ph.D students. He is a fellow of the Nigerian Academy of Letters (2013) and the Nigerian Academy of Education (2015).
At the local and social level, Professor Abubakre has been an active and dedicated member of his community. He is a proud member of the Iwo Action Council (IWAC) and has also been involved in numerous other progressive organizations based in Iwo.
Additionally, Professor Abubakre served as the Honorable Federal Commissioner of the Public Complaints Commission. His legacies continue to inspire present and future generations.
