A 27-year-old Nigerian named Muhammadul-Awwal Babatunde has been named the best graduating student at Al-Azhar University in Cairo, Egypt. This achievement highlights his dedication and the support from his alma mater in Ilorin, marking a proud moment for Nigerian education on the global stage.
Early Life and Education Path
Muhammadul-Awwal Babatunde was born on July 2, 1998, in Kaduna, Nigeria, into a family that values knowledge and faith. His family later moved to Ilorin, known as a center for learning in the country.
He completed his primary and junior secondary education at Ahbabul-Deenil-Islami group of schools in Ilorin, where he stood out as the top student in both levels. From there, he joined Darul-Kitab Wa Sunnah College of Arabic and Islamic Studies in Gaa-Akanbi, Ilorin, starting in junior secondary two and graduating in 2017 as the best student.
Babatunde then enrolled at the University of Ilorin in the Faculty of Agriculture, studying food science for over two years. A turning point came when he received a full scholarship from Darul-Kitab Wa Sunnah College to study at Al-Azhar University in 2020.
Journey at Al-Azhar University
At Al-Azhar, Babatunde pursued Arabic at the Language Development Center in the Faculty of Islamic and Arabic Studies. He chose a challenging path that combined Arabic language, foundations of religion, and Islamic law, despite advice against it due to its difficulty.
His hard work paid off as he graduated with excellent first class honors, earning the title of best graduating student across the entire university. This feat comes at a time when Al-Azhar, one of the world’s oldest universities founded in 970, continues to attract global scholars for its Islamic learning programs.
Recent reports show Al-Azhar has over 4,000 affiliated teaching institutes in Egypt, serving millions of students. Babatunde’s success adds to the university’s legacy, especially as it ranks highly in global education lists for 2025.
Key Achievements and Milestones
Babatunde’s path is filled with consistent excellence. Here are some highlights:
- Top student in primary and junior secondary at Ahbabul-Deenil-Islami schools.
- Best graduating student at Darul-Kitab Wa Sunnah College in 2017.
- Full scholarship to Al-Azhar University in 2020.
- Graduated as overall best student with highest honors in 2025.
These steps show a pattern of dedication that started early and led to this major win.
Significance for Nigeria and Beyond
This achievement shines a light on Nigerian talent in international education. Babatunde, originally from Ikirun in Osun State but raised in Ilorin, represents how local institutions like Darul-Kitab Wa Sunnah, founded nearly 30 years ago by Sheikh Dr. Abdulkadir As-Salman Oba Sholagberu, can open global doors.
In 2025, with rising interest in scholarships to Al-Azhar, as seen in recent Ministry of Religious Affairs announcements for new applicants, Babatunde’s story inspires many. It ties into broader trends, like other Nigerian graduates excelling abroad, boosting the country’s image in academic circles.
Experts note that such successes encourage more youth to pursue studies in Islamic sciences, especially amid global discussions on education equity.
Educational Timeline
To better understand his journey, here is a simple table of key educational stages:
| Year | Institution | Achievement |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-2017 | Ahbabul-Deenil-Islami Schools, Ilorin | Best student in primary and junior secondary |
| 2017 | Darul-Kitab Wa Sunnah College, Ilorin | Best graduating student |
| 2017-2020 | University of Ilorin, Faculty of Agriculture | Studied food science for over two years |
| 2020-2025 | Al-Azhar University, Cairo | Best graduating student with highest honors |
This timeline captures the steady progress that led to his recent triumph.
Looking Ahead
Babatunde credits his family and faith for his success, noting how growing up in a knowledge-loving environment shaped him. As Al-Azhar continues to honor top scholars, like in recent ceremonies for Prophet Muhammad’s birthday, stories like his motivate others.
This win comes amid 2025’s focus on global education rankings, where Al-Azhar holds strong positions in fields like veterinary and other topics. It reminds us of the power of perseverance in achieving dreams.
What do you think about this inspiring story? Share your thoughts in the comments and pass it on to friends who might find motivation here.
