Shaikh Dr. Ahmed Lemu

Ahmed Lemu received his early education at the Quranic School in 1932, followed by the elementary school in 1939, then the intermediate school (currently the Government College) in Lemu, from which he obtained his intermediate school certificate in 1948. Thereafter, he joined the School of Sharia Law (currently the School of Arabic Studies) in Lemu from which he obtained Middle in 1950 and High in 1952 Teachers’ Certificates (Level Two) in Arabic Language, Islamic Studies, Shari’a Jurisdiction, and General Education. In 1954, he went to the United Kingdom to study  at London University’s School of African and Oriental Studies. He obtained the certificate of General Education (Advanced Level) in History, Arabic, Hausa, and Persian Languages in 1961, and a Bachelor’s Degree (Honors) in African and Oriental Studies in 1964.

Dr. Shaikh Ahmed Lemu served in the field of education for more than half a century, during which he undertook various teaching and educational responsibilities. He started as a teacher of Arabic language, English language and Islamic studies at the Government Secondary School in Bida between 1953 and 1960. In 1960, he became a senior teacher of Arabic Language, Islamic Studies, and Education, and a supervisor at the School of Arabic Studies in Kano, then a Director of the school and a Deputy Director of Government Secondary Education in 1965. He became a Dean of the Arabic Teachers’ College in 1966, a Senior Inspector of Education in 1970, and a Chief Inspector of Education for Sokoto State in North West Nigeria between 1971 and 1973. He also served as a Technical Director in 1974-1975 and a Director of Educational Planning in 1975-1976 in the State. In 2009, he was appointed as a Consultant at Fountain University in Osogbo, Nigeria.

In addition to his major role in teaching and education, Dr. Shaikh Ahmed Lemu has also served in the Judiciary, first as a Sharia judge at the Court of Appeals in the States of Sokoto and Niger in 1976–1977, then as a Chief Sharia Judge at the Court of Appeals in Niger State in 1976–1991. Dr. Shaikh Ahmed Lemu has also made significant contributions towards official efforts pertaining to security, reconciliation, and dialogue during security challenges in Northern Nigeria. He was a member of the Nigerian Council of Religions, a Presidential Council for Youth Development, a Presidential Experts Committee for National Security, and various other national committees and councils.

His Eminence Dr. Shaikh Ahmed Lemu was a renowned Islamic scholar, known and respected by West African Muslims and throughout the Islamic world. He was a composed intellectual, a devout Muslim and an advocate of moderation, justice, and open-mindedness. He was also a strong supporter of women’s rights. His relentless efforts to advance Islamic education, development and Dawah (call to Islam) are evident from his publications, countless lectures, seminars, and classes, and active participation in national, regional, and international Islamic conferences and events. He was a member of several international Islamic organizations worldwide, and an author and editor of many books and school references which aim, along with his lecturers and classes, to promote and re-enforce the proper understanding of Islam and expand knowledge of the Islamic creed. He was also known for his deep involvement in Islamic humanitarian activities. He was the Founder and President of the Islamic Education Trust in Nigeria, and a member of several other humanitarian societies and endowments that serve Muslims in his country.

Dr. Shaikh Ahmed Lemu’s immense contributions have earned him several prizes and accolades, including, among others, the Prize of Merit from the Government of Niger State in 1991; the Nigerian National Order by former Nigerian President Abdulsalami AbuBakrr in 1999 and former Nigerian President Obasanjo in 2001; an Honorary Doctorate Degree from Uthman Danfodiyo University in 1996; an Honorary Doctorate Degree from Osogbo University in 2011, and an Honorary Doctorate Degree from Al-Hilal University in 2013.

This biography was written in the year the prize was awarded.