Governor Zulum Honored as ‘Knight of Arabic
Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, took the spotlight on Monday as he inaugurated the 18th national conference of the Academic Society for Arabic Language and Literature in Nigeria (ASALLIN).
The conference, convened to mark the International Arabic Day observed annually on December 18, unfolded at the International Conference Hall of Musa Usman Secretariat in Maiduguri.
During his address, Governor Zulum underscored the significance of preserving and advancing Arabic language and Islamic scholarship within Nigeria. He emphasized the profound cultural and historical impact of Arabic, citing its contributions to literature, science, and religious texts. Furthermore, Zulum unveiled plans for the construction of 27 High Islamic Colleges, aiming to establish one in each Local Government to bolster Arabic education in Borno.
In a significant moment, the Governor launched ASALLIN’s annual journal, “AL-LISAN JOURNAL OF THE ACADEMIC SOCIETY FOR ARABIC LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE IN NIGERIA,” personally acquiring 50 copies for a total of N5 million.
The conference, themed “Arabic Culture In West Africa & The Journey Over Centuries: Achievements And Prospects,” seeks to devise strategies for sustaining and augmenting the study of Arabic knowledge within Nigerian educational institutions.
Professor Mashood Jimba, President of ASALLIN, expressed gratitude to Governor Zulum and the organizing committee for their dedication to hosting the conference.
Meanwhile, in a parallel acknowledgment of Governor Zulum’s contributions, ASALLIN conferred upon him the title of “Faris Lugga Arabiya” or the “Knight of Arabic Language.” The award, presented by Professor Ibrahim Muhammad, Director of the Nigerian Arabic Village in Ngala, symbolizes Zulum’s unwavering commitment to fostering the teaching and learning of Arabic language in Borno State.