An expert in the Islamic history of West Africa, with Sokoto at its heart. Prof Kani was well-established authority, in Northern Nigeria, on Arabic and Islamic Manuscripts, in particular on the legacy of Sokoto, which was initiated and led by Shehu Usman Dan Fodio in the 19th century. He was head of the department of the Northern History Research Scheme (NHRS) founded by Prof H E C Smith (later Abdallah) at the University of Ahmadu Bello. Prof Kani had fluency in Hausa and working knowledge of Fulfulde. Prof Kani returned to Sudan, in 2001, and joined the International University of Africa in Khartoum. He authored many scholarly books and articles. Ahmad Kani, a self-made intellectual, a modest and a generous man was buried at Khartoum, Sudan, where he was born.