Use Afrabic studies to solve nation’s problems – Prof. Sirajudeen
|By Musa Ishaq
Adam Adebayo Sirajudeen, a professor of Arabic Literary Criticism and Afrabic Historiography, Department of Arabic Studies in the Federal University of Lafia (FULafia), has canvassed the use of Arabic language and studies for human development.
Sirajudeen said that “scientific researches have proved that Arabic studies is full of un-tapped resources capable of providing strategies to face all challenges of humanity at all times.”
According to him, stakeholders in Arabic studies should expand the frontiers of knowledge by proffering solutions to contemporary challenges, especially ‘those posed by globalisation and digital technology.”
He said that efforts should be made to identify Arabic manuscripts relating to indigenous science and knowledge systems, “especially those that belong to African Arabic scholars.”
Sirajudeen made his case while delivering the 19th professorial inaugural lecture in FULafia.
His inaugural lecture was titled: “Beaming the ‘Dark Africa’: Construction, Deconstruction and Reconstruction of Afrabic Historiography.”
The event took place at the MIS Multi-Purpose Hall, Permanent Site Campus of the University.
Sirajudeen, a professor of Arabic historiography, has lamented relatively critical appraisal of Arabic sources of history in Africa.
He said: “A lot of the historical studies merely claimed that there are limitations in the sources of materials, especially the Arabic ones.”
He, however, said that with the “current waves of globalisation and free market economy, there came a necessity for competence in foreign language like Arabic not only for academic purposes but also for communication and other specific purposes.”
Sirajudeen suggested that the “department of Arabic studies in Nigerian universities should come up with strategies aimed at maximising students intake to enhance the production of more researchers.
He advised that the issue of inadequate experts to handle the teaching of afrabic studies at all levels of education should be adequately addressed.
The Vice-Chancellor of FULafia, Professor Shehu Abdul Rahman, earlier in his address, congratulated Sirajudeen and his family, applauding him for his contributions to the development of Arabic studies, Centre for Research and Creative Thoughts and the Anti-corruption and Transparency Unit of FULafia.
Abdul Rahman described Sirajudeen as a talented scholar in the field of Arabic studies, praising him for being the first to present inaugural lecture from the Department of Arabic Studies of FULafia.
Welcoming the participants to the occasion, Prof. Josephine Odey, the Chairman of the Inaugural Lecture Committee of the University, said that Sirajudeen’s contributions to knowledge have added value to not only the students of Arabic but to the nation at large.
The lecture was attended by well-wishers and dignitaries from the Ansaruldeen Muslim community in Lafia, a former secretary to the Government of Nasarawa State, Dr Zainab T. Ahmed, Secretary, MUSWEN, Ibadan, Prof. Muslih Tayo Yahya, SOAS, London, Prof. Isaac Ogunbiyi, Dean, School of Postgraduate Studies, BASUG, Prof. Luqman Alawiye, Prof. Lateef Onireti Ibrahim, Director, Center for International Education, Unilorin, Deputy Director, Institute for Translation Studies, University of llorin, Dr. Aliyu Abdulwahid Adebisi, Manager, IT Integration & Digital Channels, MTN, Lagos, Engr. Yunus Tunde Bamimore, Director, SIWES, Federal University, Kashere, Dr. Saheed Kolawole, lecturers from Federal University, Kashere, and Federal Polytechnic, Auchi, and students from other institutions in Nigeria.
The occasion climaxed with the presentation of certificate, plaque and gift to Sirajudeen by the Vice-Chancellor of FULafia, Shehu Abdul Rahman.