Scholar Harps On Humanity, Community Development

A professor of Arabic and Islamic Studies, Dawud Noibi, has implored Nigerians to contribute effectively towards the development of their communities and humanity while alive.

The scholar in his keynote speech during a public book presentation in honour of late Professor Musa Abdul, organised by Nigeria Association of Teachers of Arabic and Islamic Studies, (NATAIS), held at the Tai Solarin University of Education, Ijagun, Ijebu Ode, stressed the need for religious body especially NATAIS leadership to give serious consideration to giving of life after death its rightful place in the curriculum and teaching.

The 90-year-old Islamic scholar said in the paper entitled: “Celebrating a role model in the ascendancy of Arabic and Islamic Studies in Nigeria”, that the late Abdul deserved the honour going by his impacting efforts while on earth.

Noibi, former Executive Secretary, Muslim Ummah of South West Nigeria (MUSWEN), explained that the late Abdul had laid solid foundation as a trainer of intellectuals and good role model within both the academic community and the wider society.

While recounting his encounter with the late Professor at the University of Ibadan where he laid the foundation of Arabic and Islamic Studies in Nigeria, the Islamic scholar said late Abdul was a complete gentleman who called for cooperation between the two religions dominant in the country.

Noibi said the honour done Abdul, 38 years after his demise, was better late than never as a great mentor, exemplary teacher and humble.

Corroborating, Prof. Abayomi Arigbabu, the Ogun state commissioner for education, science and technology, described the late Professor Abdul as a leading light in Arabic and Islamic education.

Arigbabu stated that the contributions of the deceased to the spiritual uplift of humanity through his various writings and books 38 years after his demise had been impactful.

Reviewing the book, Professor Mufutau Oloyede AbdulRahmon, one of the students, said the book captured the essence of what the honouree lived for.