Oloyede turbaned as Kuliyan Sokoto
By Abubakar Imam
The historic city of Sokoto played host to hundreds of dignitaries from all walks of life penultimate Sunday (November 1, 2026) as the 8th Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin and immediate past Registrar and Chief Executive of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Prof. Emeritus Is-haq Olanrewaju Oloyede, CON, was formally turbaned as the Kuliyan Sokoto by the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Saad Abubakar III, CFR, at his ancient palace.
Also turbaned at the same event was a Professor in the Department of Telecommunication Science and Director, Centre for Research, Development and In-House Training (CREDIT), University of Ilorin, Abdulkarim Oloyede, who became the Galadima Kuliya of Sokoto. The new Galadima Kuliya is a son of the multiple award-wining former Vice Chancellor.
Speaking at the event, the Sultan described Prof. Emeritus Oloyede as a wonderful and detribalised Nigerian who deserves to be celebrated for his numerous contributions to scholarship, propagation of Islam, peaceful coexistence and general human development.
The Sultan, who is also the President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), urged the new Kuliya to continue to serve as a role-model as he appealed to him to always support the development of Sokoto as well.
The prestigious traditional title, which was conferred on him by the Sultan while speaking at an event organised by the University of Ilorin to mark the successful completion of tenure of the Prof. Emeritus by the authorities of the University last year at the University Auditorium, recognises a distinguished career marked by significant contributions to education, Islamic affairs, leadership and national development.
The event brought together distinguished individuals who converged on Sokoto to celebrate an honour that reflects a legacy of knowledge, service and contributions to human development.
Among those who attended the event were the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji (Dr) Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, CFR, who was represented by the Dean of the Faculty of Arts, University of Ilorin and Secretary, Ilorin Emirate Durbar Committee, Prof. Ibrahim Abdulganiyu Jawondo; the Alake of Egbaland, Oba Aremu Gbadebo, who was represented by a former Military Administrator of Sokoto and Bauchi State, Navy Captain Rasheed Raji; the Registrar of JAMB, Prof. Segun Aina; the Kuliya of Ilorin, Prof. Yusuf Ola-Olu Ali, SAN; the Malami Ubandoma of Ilorin and Imam of National Mosque, Abuja, Dr AbdulKadir Salman Solagberu and Prof. Ishaq Lakin Akintola, among others.
