Adam Abdullah Al-Ilory
Adam Abdullah Al-Ilory was a Beninese-Nigerian Islamic scholar, author, and education reformer. He played a leading role in the modernization of Islamic education in Nigeria and was the founder of the Arabic and Islamic Training Centre in Agege, Lagos.
Early life
Al-Ilory was born in Waza, in present-day Benin Republic, into the family of Abdul Baqi Al-Ilory. He was of Yoruba ancestry and later moved to Ilorin, Nigeria, where he began his Islamic education under his father and other scholars.Education and reform
He pursued higher Islamic studies at Al-Azhar University in Cairo, Egypt. In 1952, he founded the Arabic and Islamic Training Centre in Abeokuta, Ogun State, before relocating it to Agege, Lagos in 1955.At Markaz, Al-Ilory introduced a structured, modern system of Islamic learning—using classrooms, blackboards, written exams, student uniforms, and a subject-based curriculum. This marked a departure from traditional Qur’anic methods of education in Nigeria.
Writings
Al-Ilory authored several works in Arabic, including:Naseem Soba El Islam Fi Naijiriyya Hukukul-Insaani Al Islam Dinu Wa Daolat Aslu Kobaail-Yoruba Aatharulilmi Watasowuf Fil-Islam Dahoru Tasowuwasofiyat Nizoomu Tahalimul-Arabiy Wahlislamiy Al Islam Wa Taqoolidil-Jahiliyyah Lamhada tul-Balury fi Ulamaai al-Ilory- ''Ali Heedu Al'Arbahuna min Taasisil-Markaz''
Religious influence
He was a follower of the Maliki school of Islamic jurisprudence and a member of the Qadiriyya Sufi order. He served as Secretary-General of the League of Imams and Alfas of Yorubaland, Edo, and Delta regions.Markaz legacy
The Markaz institution introduced innovations such as blackboard teaching, exams, school uniforms, and certificates in the Southwest region of Nigeria. In 1957, the center held its first graduation, attracting a new wave of Islamic students and reformers who would go on to replicate the model.Personal life
Sheikh Al-Ilory married six wives and had 23 children. Their names include:- Ridwanullah
- Maryam
- Habeebullah
- Jamaldeen
- Thaoban
- Halimah
- Fadeelah
- Rahmatullah
- Soffiyah
- Sekinah
- Abdullahi
- Radhiyyah
- Bashir
- Jummah
- Medinah
- Ahmad
- Aisha
- Khadeejah
- Arafah
- Hajarah
- Yusuf
- Sufyan
- Adnan