Muslim Women: Past and Present

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Throughout the ages, from the earliest days of Islam to contemporary times today, Muslim women have been and continue to be active leaders in their communities and countries across the world. This directory is a growing archive of leading Muslim women scholars, activists, writers, politicians, artists, religious and spiritual leaders, civil society leaders and more. Please contribute to this archive by suggesting Muslim women to be featured through our recommendation form.

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Alhaja Okunnu

There is no secret to success; it is the result of preparation, handwork and learning as exemplified in the Qur’an.

“My Mentor is An Educationist,” by Bilkisi Yusuf. Tony Blair Faith Foundation.

Known For: Civil servant, educationist, and Nigeria's first female Deputy Governor
Country: Nigeria

About

Alhaja Lateefah Modupeola Okunnu is a dedicated educationist and one of Nigeria’s preeminent civil servants. She was the country’s first female Deputy Governor and a founding member of the Federation of Muslim Women’s Associations in Nigeria (FOMWAN), one of Nigeria’s largest women’s organizations.

Born in 1939 in Lagos, Nigeria, Alhaja obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Geography from University College, which was affiliated with the University of London in London, England. She later earned diplomas in Administration from the University of California and the Royal Institute of Public Administration, London, respectively.

Alhaja has served in multiple and varied capacities as an educationist and public servant in Nigeria. Some of these positions have included Assistant Lecturer at the Federal Advanced Teachers’ College in Akoka, Lagos; Education Officer, Chief Inspector of Education; and the Director of Finance and Administration for the Budget Office. In 1990 she was appointed the Deputy-Governor of Lagos State and during the reorganization of Nigeria acted as Chairman of the Caretaker Committee of the National Republican Convention, which was instrumental in the formation of Nigeria’s popular democracy at the time.

Along with her work in the realms of education and government, Alhaja has also involved herself in several organizations pertaining to Muslims and Islam. She is a member of the National Hajj Commission, the Nigeria Inter-religious Council (NIREC), and the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA). In addition, she was a founding member of the Muslim League for Accountability (MULAC), an NGO that aims to foster government transparency in keeping with Islamic principles.

In recognition of her numerous contributions and ongoing commitment to Nigeria, its government, and its educational system, Alhaja was awarded an order of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (OFR).

Sources

“My Mentor is An Educationist,” by Bilkisi Yusuf. Tony Blair Faith Foundation.

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This search feature will enable you to find Muslim women chronologically by the Common Era century. We are actively building the archive of Muslim women leaders from the past, as well as from today, and we would welcome your recommendations of women to feature. Please complete our “Recommend Muslim Women” form and check the site again in the near future as we actively expand this section of the portal with your suggestions.
This search feature will enable you to find Muslim women by their Country. We are actively building the archive of Muslim women leaders from the past, as well as from today, and we would welcome your recommendations of women to feature. Please complete our “Recommend Muslim Women” form and check the site again in the near future as we actively expand this section of the portal with your suggestions.
This search feature will enable you to find Muslim women leaders by entering the keyword(s) of your choice. If you cannot find a particular woman that you are looking for, please let us know by completing our “Recommend Muslim Women” form and check the site again in the near future as we actively expand this section of the portal with your suggestions.