KWASU VC Mourns Ilorin Chief Imam, Describes Death as Huge Loss to Ummah
The Vice-Chancellor of Kwara State University (KWASU), Malete, Professor Shaykh-Luqman Jimoh, has expressed deep sorrow over the death of the Chief Imam of Ilorin, Sheikh Muhammad Bashir Salihu, describing his passing as a monumental loss to the Muslim community in Kwara State and beyond.
Reacting to the news of the revered Islamic scholar’s demise, Professor Jimoh said the late Chief Imam was a symbol of integrity and exemplary leadership, particularly in his role as head of the Kwara State Council of Ulamah.
According to the Vice-Chancellor, Sheikh Muhammad Bashir Salihu earned widespread respect through his lifelong commitment to Islamic scholarship and selfless service to humanity.
“The late Chief Imam was an embodiment of knowledge, humility and moral uprightness. He led the Council of Ulamah with uncommon integrity and dedicated his entire life to the propagation of Islam and the wellbeing of his community,” Jimoh said.
He commiserated with the Governor of Kwara State, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu Gambari, members of the Council of Ulamah, as well as the entire Ilorin Emirate and Muslim faithful over the loss.
Professor Jimoh prayed for Allah’s mercy upon the late cleric, asking that he be granted Aljanah Firdaus, while also urging the Almighty to comfort his immediate family and the Muslim community at large.
Sheikh Muhammad Bashir Salihu died on Monday, January 19, 2026, at the age of 75.
He was appointed as the 12th Chief Imam of Ilorin in 1983 and remained a highly influential and respected religious leader in Kwara State until his death.
