Founder and Executive Director of the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), Professor Ishaq Akintola, has bagged the prestigious Sultan Special Recognition Award.
The award was presented to him on *Monday, 2nd November, 2026 by His Eminence, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, CFR, mni, the Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA).
The presentation took place at the International Conference Centre, Kasarawa, Sokoto State, as part of activities marking the 20th Coronation Anniversary of the Sultan and the 13th Sheikh Usmanu Dan Fodiyo Week.
Professor Akintola was honoured alongside other prominent Muslim leaders, including Sheikh AbdulRahman Ahmad, National Missioner of the Ansar-Ud-Deen Society of Nigeria; Professor Dawud Olatokunbo Shittu Noibi, pioneer Executive Secretary of the Muslim Ummah of South West Nigeria (MUSWEN); and the Emir of Lafia, Justice Sidi Dauda Bage Muhammad I.
The grand finale, held under the theme _“Reviving Ethical Leadership and Social Harmony: Lessons From Sokoto Jihad Leaders,”_ attracted traditional rulers, government officials, Islamic scholars, academics and dignitaries from across the country.
Reacting to the honour, Professor Akintola said: “Alhamdulillah. I dedicate this award to all Muslims facing religious persecution in Nigeria.”*
The renowned Islamic scholar and human rights activist said the recognition was not for him alone, but for all Muslims who have suffered discrimination, marginalisation and persecution for practising their faith.
He expressed profound gratitude to the Sultan of Sokoto for finding him worthy of the honour, describing it as a call to greater service, sacrifice and steadfastness in the defence of Muslim rights and religious freedom in Nigeria.
Professor Akintola, a Professor of Islamic Eschatology and former lecturer at Lagos State University (LASU), founded MURIC for the protection and promotion of the rights of Muslims in Nigeria and beyond. Through MURIC, he has consistently spoken against religious discrimination, hijab denial, marginalisation of Muslims in appointments, and other forms of injustice.
His decades of fearless advocacy, public lectures, writings and interventions have made him one of the most recognisable voices for Muslim rights in Nigeria.
Muslim leaders and well-wishers across the country have continued to congratulate him, describing the Sultan Special Recognition Award as well-deserved and a testimony to his lifelong commitment to Islam, justice and the Ummah.