Born in July 1959 and a native of Ogbomosho, Oyo State, he was raised in a lineage deeply rooted in Islamic tradition and moral discipline. His intellectual journey began within the traditional Qur’anic system, where he achieved the significant milestone of memorizing the Holy Qur’an before transitioning to advanced classical Islamic sciences. He built a robust scholarly foundation under the tutelage of reputable mentors in Kaduna and beyond, mastering Tafsir (Qur’anic Exegesis), Hadith, Fiqh (Islamic Jurisprudence), and Arabic rhetoric.

Driven by the conviction that the Muslim Ummah required a balanced approach to education, Sheikh Tihamy founded the Umar Ibn Khattab College of Education (UIKCOE) in Kaduna. He designed the institution to address the critical shortage of qualified educators proficient in both Western pedagogy and Islamic sciences. Under his visionary leadership, the college secured accreditation for various Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE) programs and developed a curriculum that fosters intellectual dualism, graduating students who are competent teachers and morally grounded citizens. This model has allowed the college to provide affordable, high-quality education to the Kaduna metropolis and surrounding states, cementing its reputation as a centre of excellence.

His influence as a leader and jurist is further solidified by his role as a prominent member of the Shurah (Consultative Council) of the Supreme Council for Shariah in Nigeria (SCSN). In this capacity, he contributes to high-level decision-making and provides critical scholarly guidance on legal and social issues affecting the Muslim community nationwide. This position underscores his status as a trusted authority in Islamic jurisprudence and a key voice in the religious governance of the country.

Beyond his administrative and academic roles, Sheikh Tihamy is a celebrated Da’wah practitioner whose influence extends across Nigeria. His preaching style is defined by moderation (Wasatiyyah), promoting a balanced understanding of Islam that rejects extremism while remaining accessible and logical to a diverse audience. He remains an active teacher and a frequent lecturer at various Islamic forums, often intervening in communal matters to foster peace and cooperation. His legacy is reflected in the thousands of graduates who now serve as teachers and religious leaders, continuing his lifelong mission of bridging the gap between faith and contemporary educational needs.