Without any misgiving, education is believed to be the foundation of any nation around the globe-it is regarded as a nation builder. A reasonable number of people who have risen to the pinnacle of success and prominence are believed to have cross the hurdle of formal education. This credence is supported by Diogenes Laetus when he reported one of Aristotle's philosophical quotes, when asked about about how much educated men were superior ro those uneducated, Aristotle answered, "As much as the living are to the dead". This witty narrative the great Greek philosopher has undoubtedly highlighted the non-pareil signifance and value of education in contemporary society.
In a seeming contrary view, Nigel Rees asserted that, "Yesterday I couldn't spell engineer, now I are one". Nigel Rees's assertion plainly underscored the societal value and greatness of the uneducated men. For this reason, I shall hastily delve into the life of a very rare titan. A man without formal education, yet his citadel of learning has made plethora of erudite minds.

Who is Alhaji Abdur-rahim Oladimeji Igbaja?
Alhaji Abdur-raheem Oladimeji Igbaja was born on the 8th June 1934 to the family of Mallam Yusuf Ayinde Oladimeji and Hawau Ajike Yusuf Oladimeji. He is the last child in the family of ten. He is the founder of Al-Hikmah University, an Islamic private university in Ilorin, Kwara state.

It is quite antithetical that Alhaji Abdulr-rahim did not enjoy any form of formal learning despite his father's immense contributions to the development of education in his hometown-Igbaja, Kwara state.

According to him, he said his dream to get enrolled for formal education was aborted on a good day while he was accompanying his father, they experienced a scenario of harsh disciplinary action meted out on one of the pupils in a school which his father vehemently criticised. On that basis, asserted that none of his beloved children would ever go through such callous displinary action all in the name of education. And that was how his hope for education dashed away.

Despite his father's resolution, his desire to get formal education was never dampened-he strove again and again-yet all his thirsty endeavors to receive formal education ended in sheer futility. Once again, his zeal for formal learning was rekindled when he needed to keep sales record of his business, so he learned the Yoruba alphabet. But he couldn't not complete his English alphabet tutorial due to some impediments.

What drove investment in the educational sector?
Alhaji Abdur-rahim Oladimeji his revealed that his ambition to establish Al-Hakimah University was borne out of his unwavering predilection for education. He also said the ambition was later strengthened after series of encouragement and counselling from his son to establish a higher institution as against his initial plan to set up a factory.

Brief note about the institution
The school was formerly known as Abdur-rahim College of Science Foundation (in Ilorin) before it later metamorphosed into Al-Hikmah University in 2005. It is one of the cheapest private degree-awarding institutions in the country. Currently, the institution has five colleges (faculties) with remedial and post-graduate programmes:

College of Natural Sciences;
College of Education;
College of Management Sciences;
College of Humanities;
College of Law.

The institution is exploring every available avenue to introduce both masters and PhD. programmes in not-too-distant future.

Alhaji Abdur-rahim Oladimeji Igbaja, a renowned business mogul and philanthropist has etched his glorious name on the indelible wall of history and achievement. With his sought after greatness he has taught the world a long-lasting lesson using the word of Bill Shankly, "Having no education I had to use my brain".

courtesy of; www.sagevibe.com.ng