ASSESSMENT ON THE CONTRIBUTION OF ILIMI CIRCLE IN PROMOTING SUSTAINABLE RELIGIOUS AND SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT IN NASARAWA STATE, NIGERIA

This study assesses the contribution of Ilimi Circle, an informal Islamic educational initiative, to socio-religious and community development in Nasarawa State, Nigeria. Ilimi Circles, rooted in traditional Qur’anic and Hadith instruction, have become a critical platform for promoting moral education, literacy, spiritual consciousness, and social cohesion within Muslim communities. The research explores their impact on youth empowerment, adult education, conflict resolution, and value reorientation. Despite the growing recognition of the role of community-based initiatives in fostering development, there is limited empirical assessment of the contribution of Ilimi Circle a platform known for its focus on intellectual, religious, and social engagement in promoting sustainable religious and social development in Nasarawa State. Utilizing qualitative methods including interviews, focus group discussions, and field observations across selected Local Government states in the region, the study reveals that Ilimi Circles play a pivotal role in complementing formal education, especially in rural and underserved areas. Findings indicate that while the initiative contributes positively to community enlightenment and ethical conduct, challenges such as inadequate funding, lack of standardized curriculum, and limited government recognition hinder its broader impact. The study concludes by recommending increased support, structured integration with formal Islamic institutions, and policy attention to harness the full potential of Ilimi Circles in promoting sustainable religious and social development in Nasarawa State.