*Photo: The late Professor Murtala Aderemi Bidmos*
By Abdussalam Amoo
The passing of Professor Murtala Aderemi Bidmos( on Monday, 3rd March, 2025) is an immense loss not just to the academic community but to all who were privileged to learn from his wisdom, leadership, and unwavering dedication to education and faith. A distinguished Fulbright Scholar, Professor Bidmos was a towering figure in the fields of Islamic Studies, Curriculum Development, and Educational Administration. His impact transcended the classroom, reaching into the lives of students, colleagues, and the broader society in ways that will remain indelible.
His academic journey was marked by excellence. He obtained his Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in Arabic Language and Literature and later specialised in Islamic (Curriculum) Studies, a field in which he made remarkable contributions. He was an alumnus of the University of Kuwait and the University of Ibadan. A professor at the then Department of Curriculum Studies, University of Lagos (UNILAG) from 2007 until his retirement, he was instrumental in establishing the Department of Religious Studies at the Faculty of Arts, UNILAG, shortly before retiring. His scholarship focused on Islamic education, interfaith relations, and curriculum development, shaping the discourse on religious studies in Nigeria and beyond.
Beyond UNILAG, he was also actively involved in charity work, particularly with the IBILE Muslim Community Zakat and Sadaqat Foundation, where he contributed to poverty alleviation and community development initiatives.
Bidmos played a crucial role in the facilitation of the creation of Markaz University College, an institution dedicated to Islamic and Arabic education. He was the pioneer provost of the college. His contributions ensured that the study of Islam and Arabic remained a dynamic and evolving discipline, preparing future generations of scholars and leaders.
As Dean of the Faculty of Education, UNILAG, Professor Bidmos’ leadership was transformative. He was deeply committed to both student welfare and staff development, earning the admiration of students and colleagues alike.
I recall my time as a student leader in the faculty when he was Dean. He was accessible, always willing to listen, and never hesitated to resolve students’ concerns. There was no issue brought to his attention that he did not make efforts to address.
His tenure as Dean changed the face of the Faculty of Education, paving the way for a major additional faculty building project— perhaps the first in over five decades. His commitment to staff welfare was equally commendable, ensuring that those who served under him received the necessary support to thrive in their academic and administrative roles.
Professor Bidmos was not just an academic; he was a spiritual guide and a revered religious leader. As the Chief Imam of the UNILAG Muslim Community, his sermons were deeply impactful, often leaving lasting impressions on those who heard them. His emphasis on the remembrance of Allah (dhikr) remains unforgettable.
Many of us, as students, would imitate his passionate recitation of:
{وَمَنۡ أَعۡرَضَ عَن ذِكۡرِی فَإِنَّ لَهُۥ مَعِیشَةࣰ ضَنكࣰا وَنَحۡشُرُهُۥ یَوۡمَ ٱلۡقِیَـٰمَةِ أَعۡمَىٰ}
“But whoever turns away from My Remembrance will certainly have a miserable life, then We will raise them up blind on the Day of Judgment.” (Surah Ṭā-Hā: 124)
He would remind us tirelessly about the importance of sticking to the remembrance of Allah in all that we do. His khutbahs (sermons) were always infused with wisdom, reminding the university community of the importance of faith, integrity, and service to Allah.
In 2021, when EduCeleb.com was to start recording episodes of The Education Podcast, Professor Bidmos was our first guest. True to his character, he graciously honoured the invitation, sharing his perspectives on the Nigerian education curriculum, Islamic studies, and educational administration. His insights, drawn from years of experience as an academic and administrator, were profound and thought-provoking.
On the EduCeleb YouTube channel, his discussion on Islamic Studies and Curriculum Development highlighted his belief that education must evolve to address contemporary societal needs while remaining rooted in ethical and religious principles. He was a strong advocate for reforming religious education to ensure that it is both intellectually rigorous and relevant.
Professor Bidmos’ contributions to academia, religious leadership, and educational administration will not be forgotten. He leaves behind a legacy of knowledge, service, and faith—one that will continue to inspire generations to come. His impact is evident in the scholars he mentored, the institutions he helped shape, and the countless students whose lives he touched.
As we bid farewell to this remarkable individual, we take solace in knowing that his work lives on through his students, his writings, and the institutions he helped build. Indeed, his life was one dedicated to seeking knowledge, serving humanity, and calling others to the remembrance of Allah.
May Allah grant Professor Murtala Aderemi Bidmos Al-Jannah al-Firdaws and reward him for the immense contributions he made in this world.
Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un.
اللهم اغفر له وارحمه وعافه واعف عنه وأكرم نزله ووسع مدخله، واغسله بالماء والثلج والبرد ونقه من الذنوب والخطايا كما ينقى الثوب الأبيض من الدنس، واغسله بالثلج والماء والبرد. وأبدله دارا من داره وأهلا خيرا من اهله وأدخله الجنة وأعذه من عذاب النار. وأدخله الفردوس الأعلى من الجنة مع الذين أنعمت عليهم من النبيين والصديقين والشهداء والصالحين وحسن أولئك رفيقا.