The Ethical Generation:
Rethinking Finance and Innovation

Prof. AbdulRazzaq AbdulMajeed Alaro, mni

Professor of Islamic Law & Member, Financial Regulation Advisory Council of Experts, Central Bank of Nigeria

Prof. AbdulRazzaq AbdulMajeed Alaro, mni (Member of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies), is an Islamic law scholar, Shariah consultant and arbitrator with over two decades of experience in Islamic jurisprudence, Islamic banking, insurance and capital market law, and legal education. He is Professor of Islamic Law at the University of Ilorin, where he has also served as Head of the Department of Islamic Law. He sits on the Financial Regulation Advisory Committee of Experts (FRACE) at the Central Bank of Nigeria and has advised the National Insurance Commission, the Debt Management Office, the Securities and Exchange Commission and the National Pension Commission. In 2021, he delivered the 196th Inaugural Lecture of the University of Ilorin. He graduated with First Class Honours in Islamic Law from the Islamic University of Madinah in 1993 as the overall best graduating student, and earned his Master’s degree and first Ph.D. there with the highest distinction. He later obtained an LL.M. and a second Ph.D. from Omdurman University, Sudan, and was called to the Nigerian Bar in 2016 after attending the Nigerian Law School, Abuja. He is a Member of the National Institute (mni), a Certified Islamic Arbitrator and Expert, a Member of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (UK), a Member of the Institute of Directors and a Fellow of the Institute of Islamic Finance Professionals (FIFP). His honours include the Nigerian Islamic Finance Person of the Year (2025), the Islamic University of Madinah’s Most Outstanding Alumnus in Intellectual Impact award (2023) and the Kwara State Lifetime Achievement Award (2022). He continues to shape Islamic finance regulation, practice and scholarship in Nigeria.

Dr. Nabil Bello

Managing Director & Founder, Konooz Investments Ltd

Dr Nabil Bello is a pioneering figure in Islamic finance, with 18 years of experience specialising in Shariah Audit, Compliance, and Ethical Investment Strategy. As the Managing Director of Konooz Investments Ltd, he leads the company with a clear mission: to deliver Shariah-compliant fund management solutions that empower individuals, institutions, and communities to grow wealth ethically and sustainably. Before establishing Konooz Investments, Dr Nabil held key leadership roles at Jaiz Bank PLC, Nigeria’s premier Islamic bank. As Head Shariah Unit, he oversaw critical governance functions including ACE coordination, audit exercises, and internal training. He also served as Head of Private Institutions Banking, where he built strategic partnerships and deepened institutional trust in Islamic financial services. Dr Nabil’s academic credentials are equally distinguished. He earned a PhD in Islamic Banking and Finance from the International Islamic University Malaysia and holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Islamic Studies and Shari’ah from Bayero University Kano. He has lectured at Bayero University and Ahmadu Bello University, teaching courses in Islamic Capital Markets, Zakah, Waqf, Islamic Financial Planning, and Governance of Islamic Financial Institutions. He is a Certified Shariah Adviser and Auditor (CSAA) and brings a rare blend of classical Shari’ah knowledge, modern financial acumen, and strategic foresight. His expertise spans: Shariah-compliant investment structuring Business and data analysis Strategic planning and project management Institutional training and capacity building Ethical governance and stakeholder engagement Dr Nabil is also a published author in respected journals and a recipient of the Nigeria Islamic Finance Leadership Award, recognising his contributions to the growth of Islamic finance in West Africa. At Konooz Investments Ltd, Dr. Nabil is committed to building a legacy of trust, transparency, and transformative impact. Under his leadership, the company continues to innovate in halal wealth creation, offering tailored investment solutions that align with both faith and financial goals.

AbdulJalil AbdulSalam Opeyemi

Team Lead, Shariah Compliance, TajBank Limited

Abduljelil Opeyemi Abdulsalam is a distinguished Islamic finance and Shariah compliance expert with over eight years of impactful experience across non-interest banking, Shariah audit, compliance, risk management, product development and Islamic finance training. He currently serves as the Team Lead, Shariah Compliance at TAJBank Limited, Abuja, where he ensures adherence to Shariah principles, CBN regulations and AAOIFI standards, defends products before the Advisory Committee of Experts (ACE), FRACE and the CBN, and leads Shariah training across the bank. He holds a Master of Business Administration in Finance and Investment from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, a Master of Arts in Islamic Studies from Al-Hikmah University, Ilorin, and a Master’s in Islamic Banking and Finance and a B.A. (Hons) in Islamic Studies from Bayero University Kano. He is currently pursuing a PhD in Fiqh and Usul-al-Fiqh at the Islamic University of Minnesota, USA. Before joining TAJBank, he served as Internal Review and Shariah Compliance Officer at Sterling Alternative Finance, Lagos. At Jaiz Bank Plc, Nigeria’s premier non-interest bank, he rose from Teller to Shariah Audit Officer, South-West Region, conducting branch Shariah audits and ensuring corrective measures were implemented. He has trained officials of the Central Bank of the Republic of Uganda and, in 2025, was appointed by the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN) as Subject Matter Expert for the Non-Interest Financial Institutions and Products study pack of the inaugural Chartered Non-Interest Banker (CNB) programme. He is a Certified Shariah Advisor and Auditor (AAOIFI), a Certified Islamic Banker (CIBAFI) and a Fellow of the Institute of Islamic Finance Professionals of Nigeria. He continues to shape Shariah governance and ethical banking practice in Nigeria.

Ridwan Sanusi

Founder and CEO, Halvest

Ridwan Sanusi is a distinguished fintech entrepreneur and ethical finance advocate with over fifteen years of impactful experience across banking, investment management, financial consulting, startup development and Islamic finance. He currently serves as the CEO of Halvest, an ethical asset management and fintech company, where he leads the development of Shariah-compliant investment solutions that make ethical investing more accessible to Africans at home and abroad. He is also the founder of the Smart Halal Investors Club, a community of investors committed to growing wealth in line with Shariah principles. Before Halvest, he served as Product Manager at Athlete Technology Group in the Greater Toronto Area and as Co-Founder and CEO of Stecs.ng in Nigeria. He previously founded Ryan Consulting, a firm that delivered professional training and content services to enterprise businesses, and worked as Senior Financial Consultant at IBFCAlliance Limited. He began his career at Access Bank Plc, where he served as Branch Operations Manager. He is an alumnus of the University of Ilorin and a Fellow of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA). He is also a Certified Islamic Finance Executive (CIFE) of the Ethica Institute of Islamic Finance, a Certified Financial Education Instructor and an alumnus of the Founder Institute, Toronto. He continues to advance ethical finance and principled entrepreneurship as drivers of sustainable growth in Africa and beyond.

Habeeb Gbenle

Co-Founder & CEO, Stecs

Habeeb Gbenle is a seasoned finance and investment professional with over 11 years of experience in financial analysis, reporting, Islamic finance product development, structuring, financial modeling, and valuation. He is a Chartered Accountant and an Associate Member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ACA). Additionally, Habeeb is certified by the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) in Business Valuation. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Banking and Finance from the University of Abuja and a Master of Science degree in Islamic Finance from INCEIF University, Malaysia. Further, Habeeb is a Certified Islamic Finance Executive (CIFE) from the Ethica Institute of Islamic Finance in Dubai. Habeeb's career is marked by significant achievements and contributions to the finance sector. He worked at the LoftyInc Group in dual capacities as Head of Finance and Investment Associate. In these roles, he expertly managed treasury functions, financial reporting, and tax compliance. On the investment front, he was pivotal in analysing portfolio performance, identifying and evaluating investment opportunities, and assessing potential risks. His analytical prowess and strategic insights have been instrumental in supporting early-stage start-ups with financial modelling and valuation, enabling them to secure approximately two million dollars in seed investments. In 2022, Habeeb co-organized a financial literacy program in collaboration with the Islamic Development Bank (Islamic Corporation for the Development of the Private Sector), underscoring his commitment to financial education and empowerment. Habeeb's professional journey also includes significant roles with renowned Islamic financial institutions such as Lotus Capital Limited, Capital trust Halal, and Hilal Takaful. His expertise in Islamic finance has been a cornerstone of his career, contributing to the development and structuring of innovative financial products, fund management and advisory services that adhere to Shariah principles. Currently, Habeeb is the Co-founder and CEO of Stecs, where he leads the company in delivering cutting-edge, ethical financial solutions. His vision for Stecs is rooted in providing inclusive and Shariah-compliant financial services that cater to the needs of diverse clientele.

Dr Habeebullah Abiodun Jumuah

Co-Founder, Injaz Advisory

Dr. Habeeblai Abiodun Jumah is a leading Shariah scholar, Certified Shari’ah Advisor and Auditor (CSAA – AAOIFI), and Islamic finance practitioner. He is Co-founder and Senior Shari’ah Fellow at Injaz Advisory Limited, where he provides specialist Shariah advisory, compliance and capacity-building services. He currently serves as a Member of the Takaful Advisory Council of the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM), Member of the Advisory Council of Experts of the Nigerian Export-Import Bank (NEXIM) Non-Interest Window, and Chairman of the Advisory Council of Experts at PennPromise Capital. He also sits on the Advisory Councils of Experts of several fintech and financial institutions, including Halvest Financial Technologies and Stecs Financial Technologies. Dr. Jumah holds a PhD in Islamic Studies from Al-Hikmah University, Ilorin, and has further strengthened his professional credentials with an Islamic Executive Masters programme at the University of Lagos Business School. A prolific researcher and public intellectual, he regularly contributes thought-leadership pieces on Shariah compliance, Islamic equity screening, Takaful and the development of non-interest finance in Nigeria. Through his advisory roles, writings and industry engagements, he continues to bridge classical Islamic jurisprudence with contemporary financial practice, supporting the growth of ethical and inclusive finance across Nigeria’s banking, insurance and capital-market sectors.

Dr Lukman Lanre Seriki

Head of Internal Shariah Audit, The Alternative Bank

Dr. Lukman Lanre Seriki is an Islamic finance and Shariah governance professional with extensive experience in banking, audit and professional education. He currently serves as Head of Internal Sharīʿah Audit at The Alternative Bank. He holds professional certifications in Islamic finance, accounting and Shariah auditing, including AAOIFI's CIPA and CSAA qualifications. He also holds a PhD, with research focused on Shariah audit practices in Nigerian Islamic banks. Beyond his professional career, Dr. Seriki is passionate about youth development, ethical leadership, continuous learning and using knowledge to create positive impact.

Yamundow Camara

Co-Founder, DeenVest Capital | Real Estate Investor & Islamic Finance Advocate

Yamundow Camara is the Co-Founder of DeenVest Capital, a Shariah-compliant real estate investment fund focused on acquiring and operating multifamily properties through an all-cash investment model. DeenVest was created to expand access to institutional-quality real estate investing while demonstrating that meaningful wealth can be built without interest-bearing debt. Born and raised in a small village in The Gambia, Yamundow’s journey is one of resilience, education, and entrepreneurship. After losing both parents at a young age and growing up without electricity, she went on to earn multiple scholarships, study Mathematics and Computer Science, become a Mandela Washington Fellow at Northwestern University, and build a career in data science and mathematical modeling. Yamundow entered real estate with approximately $8,000 and went on to build and manage a portfolio of more than 150 rental units across multiple U.S. markets. Her experience as both an investor and operator ultimately led her to co-found DeenVest Capital, where she is helping develop a new path for Muslims seeking to participate in commercial real estate without compromising their faith. Yamundow recently spoke at the Harvard Islamic Finance Conference, sharing her journey from rural Gambia to building a debt-free real estate investment platform in the United States. Today, her broader vision is to build DeenVest into a billion-dollar Shariah-compliant real estate investment company and expand access to ethical, faith-aligned investment opportunities globally. Her work sits at the intersection of real estate, Islamic finance, entrepreneurship, and financial inclusion, with a particular focus on creating practical alternatives to conventional debt-based investing.

Dr Aishat Abdul-Qadir Zubair

Member, Advisory Committee of Experts, Bank of Industry

Dr. Aishat Abdul-Qadir Zubair is an astute researcher and skilled professional with a special interest in teaching and facilitating the application of Islamic Banking and finance, shariah audit, Mirath, and Waqf Management, Islamic Cooperative and management, General Law Practice, Fiqh Muamalat, Usul ul Fiqh, etc. An Alumnus of the prestigious International Islamic University, Malaysia where she bagged a Master’s degree in Comparative Law (with a major in Islamic Finance). She won the University's prize as the Overall best graduating postgraduate student at the 2014 convocation ceremony of the University. She also holds a Combined Hons. Degree in Law from the prestigious University of Ilorin and was called to the Nigerian Bar as a Barrister and Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Nigeria in 2010. she has garnered a combined 15 years of experience as a researcher and industry expert. She worked as a Shari’ah Auditor with Jaiz Bank Plc. (the First Islamic Bank in Nigeria). She also won the best PhD thesis award at the 2023 convocation ceremony of the University of Ilorin. Her PhD research was on Sovereign Sukuk. She is a fellow of AAOIFI (CSAA). She also holds a Professional Certificate in Islamic Estate Distribution (PCIED), from Al-Hikmah University and a Professional Certificate in Banking and Finance (PCIBF) from BUK, Kano. She is a member of the Advisory Committee of Experts for Bank of Industry and Farid Islamic Microfinance Bank. She mentored Entrepreneurs of the Tony Elumelu Foundation which is just a piece of the various community services she is involved in. She is happily married and blessed with beautiful children.

Ridiwan Kadiri

MD/CEO, Ethikavest Limited

Ridiwan Kadiri is Managing Director/CEO of Ethikavest Limited, a Nigerian halal investment company built so that everyday investors can access the capital market without compromising their faith. Ethikavest is approved by the Securities and Exchange Commission as a Digital Sub-Broker (Reg. No. 3199), and every instrument on the platform - Stocks, ETFs and Sukuk - is screened against AAOIFI, DJIM, S&P e.t.c -aligned Shariah standards before it reaches a user. A trained AI engineer, he holds an MSc in Artificial Intelligence from the University of Bath and is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (GAICD). He brings to halal finance a career spanning from engineering, finance, manufacturing and healthcare - range that shapes how Ethikavest is built: AI-assisted educative engine, real-time Shariah screening that alerts users when an asset's compliance status changes, and access by app, web and USSD, so that ethical investing reaches people beyond those the market already serves well.

Dr. Sumayyah Adam Ahmad

Shariah Auditor, Meristem Securities

Dr. Sumayya Adam Ahmad is a seasoned Economist with a BSc, MSc, and PhD in Economics. By profession, she is a Non-Interest Finance expert with almost a decade of experience in banking at the first and leading Non-interest bank in Nigeria, Jaiz Bank. Her experience is vast in areas of corporate banking, auditing, as well as relationship management. She recently joined one of the top Capital Market Organization in Nigeria, Meristem Securities Limited, as a Shariah Auditor of their Non-Interest Department. She is a certified Financial Modeling and Valuation Analyst (FMVA) as awarded by the Corporate Finance Institute in Vancouver, Canada. She is also a Certified Shariah Auditor and Advisor (CSAA) as awarded by the renowned Accounting and Auditing Organization for Islamic Financial Institutions (AAOIFI) in Bahrain. She is also a Certified Islamic Specialist in Shariah Auditing (CISSA) as well as a Certified Islamic Specialist in Capital Markets, as individually awarded by the General Council for Islamic Banks and Financial Institutions (CIBAFI) in Bahrain. She has proven excellence in Macroeconomics and Financial research analysis, as well as advanced ethical and innovative finance.

Yinlaifa Edolo

Managing Director, Metropolitan Skills Limited

Yinlaifa Edolo is the Managing Director of Metropolitan Skills Ltd, a company that provides professional development, skills training and human capital solutions. She has 14 years of experience across telecommunications, community development, capacity building, women’s empowerment and mentorship, with a focus on developing talent and strengthening professional capabilities. She is an Associate of the Chartered Institute of Human Resource Management (CIHRM) and a member of the Association of Employment and Human Resource Professionals (AEHRP). Through Metropolitan Skills Ltd, she supports the growth of Islamic finance by building its talent pipeline. The company trains and develops professionals and provides human capital solutions to employers, so that the industry has skilled, competent people ready for the roles it needs to fill. By linking talent development to what employers in Islamic finance actually need, her work helps close the gap between available talent and industry requirements.

Dr. Muhammad Mustapha (Ammin) Ishaq (FHEA, ACIB, CRM, CSAA)

Financial Econometrics | Islamic Finance | Strategy & Innovation

Dr. Muhammad Mustapha Ishaq is a seasoned Islamic Finance expert and thought leader in ethical finance, risk management, and digital innovation. He is a Chartered Banker, a Chartered Risk Manager, a Certified Shariah Advisor, and a published author. Dr. Ishaq, being a sought-after international advisor, brings a practical, real-world perspective to complex issues in finance, banking and digital innovation. He earned his PhD degree as a CIAWM scholar specializing in Innovative Financial Instruments for Infrastructure Development at the Global University for Islamic Finance, INCEIF (Malaysia), where he also obtained a Master’s of Science degree in Islamic Finance. Dr Mustapha is a Chartered member of the Chartered Institute of Banking, Nigeria (CIBN), an AAOIFI fellow, Chartered member of Chartered Risk Management Institute of Nigeria (CRMI), a Certified Shariah Advisor and Auditor (CSAA) and a Fellow of the Institute of Islamic Finance Professionals in Nigeria (FIFP). He is also a member of Malaysia’s Chartered Institute of Islamic Finance Professionals (CIIF). He convens The Islamic Finance Chamber (The IFChamber), a global community of financial experts and enthusiasts with interest in Non-Interest (Islamic) Financial Services .

Aliyu Buhari Ali

MD/CEO, Quantum Microfinance Bank Limited

Aliyu Buhari Ali is a distinguished Islamic finance, takaful and microfinance expert with over two decades of impactful experience across non-interest banking, Islamic finance, development finance, insurance, takaful, marketing, MSME development and financial inclusion. He currently serves as the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Quantum Microfinance Bank Limited, where he is leading the establishment of a digital-first non-interest microfinance institution designed to leverage technology, ethical finance and strategic partnerships to deepen financial inclusion. He holds a Master’s degree in Islamic Banking and Finance from Bayero University Kano, where his research focused on the implementation of Islamic insurance (Takaful) in Nigeria, a Postgraduate Diploma in Islamic Banking and Insurance from the Institute of Islamic Banking and Insurance, and a Higher National Diploma in Marketing. At Jaiz Bank Plc, Nigeria’s premier non-interest bank, he served as the Pioneer Group Head, SMEs & Financial Inclusion, leading large-scale MSME financing initiatives, agency banking expansion and development finance partnerships that impacted thousands of businesses and rural communities. He was instrumental in coordinating financing programmes worth several billions of naira through collaborations with the Central Bank of Nigeria, Bank of Industry, Development Bank of Nigeria, SMEDAN and the Islamic Development Bank. Within the takaful industry, he served as Pioneer Head of Marketing and Business Development at Jaiz Takaful Insurance Plc and played key roles in the registration and licensing of Takaful institutions. He is a Certified Islamic Specialist in Takaful by CIBAFI and a Fellow of the Institute of Islamic Finance Professionals of Nigeria, he continues to shape the future of ethical banking and inclusive economic development in Nigeria and across Africa.

Mudathir Adesanya

Founder & CEO, IFING Media Limited

Mudathir Adesanya is a Nigerian Halal media entrepreneur, financial analyst and Islamic finance advocate dedicated to advancing ethical finance, financial inclusion and the Halal economy across Africa. He is the Founder and Managing Director/CEO of IFING Media Limited, a specialised media and events company established in 2018 to promote Islamic finance and the Halal economy through strategic communications, digital media, industry publications, stakeholder engagement and public education. He also serves as Managing Director/CEO of MTECH Noble Hub International Limited, where he leads the development of digital platforms such as Barakah Suite, an ERP and business management solution designed for MSMEs operating within the Islamic economy. Adesanya is an Independent Director of BAS Financial Services Limited and serves as Strategic Coordinator and Secretary of the NACCIMA Halal Trade Group, as well as Coordinator of the African Halal Economic Group. He is the Convener of the Arewa Islamic Finance Forum, one of Nigeria’s leading Islamic finance gatherings, bringing together scholars, investors and industry experts. His work focuses on bridging Islamic financial institutions with the wider public through education, media, technology and strategic advocacy, while contributing to the growth and visibility of the Halal economy across Africa.

Abdullahi A. Haroon, Esq

Partner, Stratum Chambers

Abdullahi A. Haroon, Esq., is a dual-qualified Legal Practitioner who holds an LL.B in Common and Islamic Law from the University of Ilorin. Called to the Nigerian Bar as a Barrister and Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Nigeria, his practice spans General Civil Litigation, Criminal Defense, Property Law, Corporate Advisory, and Islamic Finance. He serves as the Principal Partner at A. A. Haroon & Co. and is an Associate at Stratum Chambers, Lagos. Beyond his legal practice, Abdullahi is an Associate of the Institute of Chartered Mediators and Conciliators (ICMC) and a passionate advocate for youth empowerment. He serves as the Team Lead of I-Legal Minds and as the National Secretary of The Young Muslims Association (TYMa)—a non-governmental organization uniting over 10,000 members across Nigeria. He is also a skilled professional compere, regularly hosting high-profile corporate, civic, and religious events.

Nurudeen Anthony

Founder, Injaz Advisory

Mr. Nurudeen Afolabi Anthony is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Injaz Advisory, where he provides expert leadership in Islamic financial advisory and Shariah compliance. He holds a Master’s Degree in Islamic Finance Practice from INCEIF University, Malaysia, a Bachelor’s Degree in Arabic Language, and a Postgraduate Diploma in Shariah and Islamic Studies from Umm Al-Qura University, Saudi Arabia. He also earned a Diploma in Shariah (Islamic Law) from Knowledge International University, Saudi Arabia. Mr. Nurudeen is a Certified Zakat Accountant (CZA), accredited by the Kuwait Accountants and Auditors Association, and a Certified Islamic Estate Distributor. His credentials are further strengthened by specialized certifications in Shariah compliance, auditing, risk management, ethics, and professionalism, complemented by extensive advanced training. In addition to leading Injaz Advisory, he serves as a Non-Executive Director on the Board of Easy and Quiet Ltd.

Dr AbdulGafar O. Fahm

Researcher, Departmet of Religions, University of Ilorin

Dr AbdulGafar O. Fahm is a Reader in the Department of Religions, University of Ilorin, Nigeria, where he teaches and researches Islamic thought and civilisation, Islamic ethics, spirituality, contemporary Muslim societies, and the ethical implications of emerging technologies. He currently serves as Deputy Director of the University of Ilorin Mentoring Centre. He holds a PhD in Islamic Spiritual Culture and Contemporary Society from the International Islamic University Malaysia. His interdisciplinary scholarship explores how Islamic ethical and spiritual traditions can respond constructively to contemporary questions concerning finance, technology, education, human wellbeing, social responsibility and sustainable development. Dr Fahm has held international research fellowships and affiliations with institutions and scholarly networks in Germany and the United Kingdom, including the Africa Multiple Cluster of Excellence at the University of Bayreuth and the LUCAS-LAHRI Visiting Research Fellowship at the University of Leeds. His recent research has examined artificial intelligence and Islamic ethics, digital Islamic learning, Muslim women and digital knowledge, spirituality and wellbeing, and the ethical foundations of sustainable social development. A recipient of the University of Ilorin Best Researcher Award, Dr Fahm is particularly interested in helping young people connect Islamic moral values with responsible leadership, innovation, entrepreneurship and wealth creation. His work emphasises that economic advancement in Islam is ultimately inseparable from ethical responsibility, human flourishing and service to society.