The Kwara State College of Arabic and Islamic Legal Studies (CAILS), Ilorin, has announced the appointment of Professor Abdus Salam AbdulGaniyu Abimbola as the Substantive Provost of the institution.
The announcement was made by the College Registrar, Mallam Afolabi Suleiman (MNIM), during the College Management Meeting held on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, following the expiration of the tenure of the outgoing Acting Provost, Dr. Sa’ad Hadi.
Professor Abdus-Salam AbdulGaniyu Abimbola, a native of Ilorin-West Local Government Area of Kwara State, was appointed in line with the approval of the Kwara State Government through the State Ministry of Tertiary Education (MOTE). His appointment takes effect from March 25, 2026.
A distinguished scholar of Arabic studies, Professor Abimbola obtained his Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Arabic from the International University of Africa, Khartoum, Sudan, in 1992. He further earned a Master’s degree (M.A.) in Arabic in 1997 and a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Arabic in 2003, both from the University of Ilorin.
Prior to his appointment, he rose through the academic ranks to become a Professor in the Department of Arabic, University of Ilorin. Throughout his illustrious career, he has participated in numerous local and international conferences and has contributed significantly to academic scholarship through journal publications, book chapters, and authored works. He has also received several awards and recognitions for his contributions to academia.
Professor Abimbola is an active member of several professional bodies, including:
- Academic Staff Union of University (ASUU)
- Linguistics Association of Nigeria
- National Association for the Promotion of Students in Religion, Education, Languages and General Studies
- Academic Society of Arabic Language and Literature in Nigeria (ASALIN)
- Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN)
- National Association of Teachers of Arabic and Islamic Studies (NATAIS)
- International League of Islamic Literature, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
- Muslim Education Trust Fund, Lagos, Nigeria, among others
Described as hardworking, progressive, and deeply committed to staff welfare and youth development, Professor Abimbola is also known for his team spirit and approachable personality. He is a devoted Muslim, happily married, and blessed with children.
The College community warmly welcomes his appointment and looks forward to a new era of academic excellence and institutional growth under his leadership.
