NSCIA reshuffles leadership, appoints Adedimeji to oversee National Affairs
The Vice-Chancellor of the African School of Economics, Abuja, and Professor of Pragmatics and Applied English Linguistics at the University of Ilorin, Prof. Mahfouz Adebola Adedimeji, has been appointed to oversee National Affairs at the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA).
His appointment was announced following the NSCIA General Assembly in Abuja, where Muslim leaders deliberated on issues affecting the Muslim community and the wider Nigerian society.
Adedimeji is a former Vice-Chancellor of Ahman Pategi University in Kwara State. The University of Ilorin identifies him as a Fulbright scholar and former Director of its Centre for Peace and Strategic Studies and Head of its Corporate Affairs Directorate.
His academic background and experience in peace and strategic studies are considered relevant to the National Affairs portfolio, which covers issues relating to social cohesion, Muslim welfare and the relationship between the Muslim community and the wider Nigerian society.
His career spans university administration, peace and strategic studies, corporate communication, writing and public engagement. His public interventions have also focused on education, character development, economic empowerment and social responsibility.
In 2025, for instance, Adedimeji urged young Nigerians to tackle poverty through proactive economic participation and stronger work ethics.
Meanwhile, the Council, led by the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, has expanded its Deputy Secretary-General structure to cover specialised portfolios in international affairs, national affairs, corporate matters and administration.
Under the new arrangement, Prof. Salisu Shehu, a former Deputy Secretary-General, will oversee International Affairs, while Mallam Abeny Mohammed, SAN, will head Corporate Matters. Dr Bala Muhammad has been assigned the Administration portfolio. Prof. Ahmed Jibrin Gwandu and Hajia Sekinat Lawal will serve as Public Relations Officer and Deputy Public Relations Officer, respectively.
