By Khadija Muhammad
In a momentous ceremony steeped in academic tradition and spiritual reverence, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto (UDUS), has conferred an honorary Doctor of Letters (D.Litt.) degree on one of Nigeria’s most influential Islamic scholars and peace advocates, Sheikh Muhammad Aminu Ibrahim Daurawa.
The prestigious honour was bestowed on Saturday during the university’s 40th Combined Convocation Ceremony, held at its main campus in Sokoto. The event, attended by dignitaries from across the academic, traditional, and religious spheres, recognised Sheikh Daurawa’s monumental contributions to Islamic education, moral rejuvenation, and national cohesion.
The Vice-Chancellor of the university, Professor Lawal Suleiman Bilbis, in his address, stated that the decision to honour Sheikh Daurawa was a unanimous one by the Senate and Council of the institution. He described the renowned cleric as a “beacon of knowledge and a pillar of moral rectitude,” whose work has profoundly impacted the lives of millions across Nigeria and beyond.
“Today, we are not just honouring a man; we are honouring a lifetime of dedication to the pursuit of knowledge and the betterment of society,” Professor Bilbis said. “Sheikh Daurawa’s efforts through the Hisbah and his countless sermons promote peace, discipline, and ethical living, which align perfectly with the core values this university stands for.”
Sheikh Aminu Daurawa is widely celebrated for his leadership of the Kano State Hisbah Board, where he championed initiatives aimed at promoting social welfare and moral ethics. As the founder of the popular Daurah Islamic Institute and through his extensive preaching tours and online lectures, he has educated a generation of Muslims, advocating for a message of moderation, tolerance, and community service.
Dressed in the university’s signature academic gown, a visibly humbled Sheikh Daurawa expressed his profound gratitude to the university community for the recognition. He dedicated the honour to all his teachers, students, and supporters who have been part of his decades-long journey in dawah (Islamic propagation).
“This doctorate is a challenge to do more,” Sheikh Daurawa stated in his acceptance speech. “It is a call to further dedicate myself to the service of knowledge and humanity. I accept this not as a culmination, but as a catalyst to intensify our collective efforts towards building a more peaceful, virtuous, and educated society, in line with the teachings of Islam.”
The Daily Reality gathered that the ceremony was hailed by a wide range of attendees, all of whom were happy, smiling, jubilant, and chanting “Allahu akbar” (Allah is the greatest), especially when the Sheikh stood while the University orator read his citation.
Many consider Sheikh Daurawa as a significant bridge between the academic and religious communities. Prominent Sultanate Council members, led by the revered Sultan and fellow scholars, praised UDUS for acknowledging the critical role of traditional Islamic scholarship in national development.
The conferment solidifies Sheikh Daurawa’s legacy as a key figure who harmonises deep traditional scholarship with contemporary societal challenges, earning him a place of honour within the hallowed halls of one of Nigeria’s premier institutions of learning.