The Department of Arabic, Faculty of Arts, College of Humanities, Education and Law, Kaduna State University (KASU), successfully hosted its 3rd National Conference with the theme “Arabic Language in the 21st Century: A Promising Future.” The event, held at Lecture Theatre 1, Faculty of Arts, brought together scholars, traditional leaders, students, and invited guests from within and outside Nigeria.
The program commenced with the National Anthem and Opening Prayers led by Prof. Kabir Abdulhamid Adam, setting a reflective tone for the academic gathering.
In his Welcome Address, the Head of Department of Arabic, Prof. Ahmad Rabih Abdulrahman, appreciated participants for honoring the invitation and emphasized the department’s commitment to advancing Arabic scholarship in Nigeria.
The Chairman of the Occasion, Prof. Imam Isa Abdulkareem, delivered the Opening Remarks, commending KASU for sustaining national academic conversations on the relevance of Arabic in modern times.
Representing the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Abdullahi I. Musa, the Dean, Faculty of Education, Prof. Alhaji Isah Usman, delivered the Chief Host’s Speech. He warmly welcomed attendees, with special recognition to the Dan Galadiman Wazirin Zazzau, Alhaji Shitu Ibrahim Dikko. He acknowledged the efforts of paper presenters and participants, stressing the importance of Arabic studies in national development.
Speaking on behalf of the Chief Royal Father, His Royal Highness, the Emir of Zazzau, Ambassador Dr. Ahmad Nuhu Bamalli, the Dan Galadiman Wazirin Zazzau, Alhaji Shitu Ibrahim Dikko, delivered royal Remarks. He applauded the Department of Arabic for promoting cultural and linguistic heritage, noting the indispensable role of Arabic in Islamic scholarship and diplomacy.
The Keynote Address was presented by Prof. Ibrahim Abubakar Imam, who spoke extensively on Internet issues in Arabic language usage. He highlighted Arabic as both a traditional and national heritage language and explored the rising influence of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the growth, preservation, and teaching of Arabic. He also examined various emerging areas of Arabic studies in the digital era.
This was followed by the Lead Paper Presentation delivered by Prof. Attahir M. Dawood, who discussed Arabic studies in Nigeria, tracing its historical development and mentioning several Nigerian universities with strong Arabic programs. His paper emphasized the need for continuous reforms to strengthen Arabic learning institutions nationwide.
An additional address was delivered by the Dean, Faculty of Education, Prof. Alhaji Isah Usman, representing the Provost, College of Humanities, Arts, Education and Law, Prof. A.K. Babajo, where he reaffirmed the college’s support for academic excellence and linguistic scholarship.
The day comcludedd with a Vote of Thanks by Prof. Sulaiman Uthman Sulaiman, who appreciated the organizers, invited guests, presenters, and participants for their contributions to the success of the conference.