The Department of Islamic Studies, Faculty of Arts, Kaduna State University (KASU), in collaboration with the International Institute of Islamic Thought (IIIT), Central Nigeria Office, Abuja, hosted a One-Day Symposium on Thursday, 28th August 2025, at the 500-Seater Auditorium, KASU Main Campus.
The symposium, themed “Integrating Religious Values into Academic Content in Nigerian Tertiary Institutions: Imperatives, Approaches, Strategies, Challenges and Prospects,” brought together distinguished scholars, researchers, and students to examine the intersection of ethics, faith, and education in higher institutions.
The event began with Quranic recitation by Brother Tahir Muhammad Zain and opening du’a by Prof. Umar Ishaq Adam of the Department of Islamic Studies.
In his welcome address, the Director, Academic planning, Prof. Auwal Farouk Abdussalam, extended warm greetings to IIIT delegates and participants. He emphasized the importance of collaboration in advancing value-based education and academic research.
Delivering his remarks, the Chairman of the event and Coordinator IIIT Abuja, Dr. Aliyu Tanko, underscored the pivotal role of ethical scholarship and research in shaping intellectual development.
The first paper presentation by Prof. Ahmad Bello Dogarawa of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, explored the concept of value-based teaching and research, advocating for the integration of spiritual, moral, and ethical principles from Islamic teachings into academic content.
In his goodwill message, Dr. Saidu Ahmad Dukawa, Coordinator of IIIT Kano Office, lauded KASU for providing the platform and highlighted the need for continued collaboration. He also announced scholarship opportunities for postgraduate students under IIIT initiatives.
The Vice Chancellor of KASU, Prof. Abdullahi Ibrahim Musa, who served as Chief Host, commended the organizers and participants, reiterating that philosophy and knowledge are foundational to Islamic scholarship. He further revealed that the Centre for Qur’anic Research had recently received government approval, positioning KASU as a hub for Islamic scholarship and research excellence.
A keynote address by Prof. Omar Hassan Kasule (Snr), Secretary General of IIIT Headquarters, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, provided deep insights into the philosophical and theological foundations for integrating Islamic values into academic curricula.
Prof. Khalid Aliyu of KASU’s Department of Islamic Studies delivered another presentation, addressing epistemological tensions, ethical discourse, and Islamic values such as justice and fairness in scholarly research.
In his closing remarks, the Head of the Department of Islamic Studies, Prof. Abdullahi Muhammad, thanked IIIT for its dedication to education and research, particularly its support for postgraduate students. He emphasized that Islamic Studies provides guidance across all fields of learning and called for further integration of Islamic principles in academia.
The symposium ended with a closing du’a by the Head, Department of Arabic, Prof. Ahmad Rabih, marking the conclusion of a highly engaging intellectual exchange.
This symposium was widely hailed as a milestone in advancing value-driven education, fostering partnerships, and enhancing the integration of ethical and faith-based perspectives into higher learning.
MASHA ALLAH, I AM ONE OF THE PARTICIPANT.