The Department of Arabic Language, Northwest University Kano (NWU) on Monday, January 5, 2026, hosted its maiden International Conference on Arabic Language and Literature, marking a major milestone in the academic history of the institution.
The conference, themed “Arabic Language and Literature from the Twentieth Century to the Present: Achievements, Trends and Perspectives,” took place at the Professor Hafiz Abubakar Auditorium, City Campus, and attracted scholars, academics, diplomats and students from within and outside the university.
Described by participants as timely and intellectually stimulating, the gathering highlighted the growing relevance of Arabic language and literature in contemporary global scholarship.
A Landmark Academic Engagement
In his welcome address, the Chairman of the Local Organising Committee, Professor Ayuba Shehu Ahmad Rufa’i, expressed gratitude to participants and described the event as a landmark achievement for the Department of Arabic Language and NWU as a whole. He noted that the conference would significantly contribute to the advancement of Arabic studies.
Delivering the host’s opening remarks, the Dean of the Faculty of Humanities, Dr Yusuf Ahmad Gwarzo, urged participants to engage fully with the carefully selected papers, saying they would enrich scholarly discourse and benefit participants academically.
The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Amina Salihi Bayero, in her address, welcomed delegates and commended the department and the organising committee for successfully conceptualising and hosting the conference. She encouraged participants to actively engage in the sessions and apply the knowledge gained to teaching, research and community service.
Keynote Papers and Eminent Voices
The conference featured two major academic papers delivered in Arabic. The keynote address was presented by Professor Abubakar Magaji Abdullahi of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. Lead Paper One was delivered by Engineer Ayman Rayyan, Director of the Egyptian Cultural Centre, Kano, while Lead Paper Two was presented by Professor Muhammad Auwal Rabiu Sa’ad of Bayero University Kano. The papers examined the developments, challenges and future prospects of Arabic language and literature from the twentieth century to the present.
Speaking at the event, His Highness, the Emir of Kano, Khalifa Dr Muhammadu Sanusi II, called on scholars to be more proactive in promoting and utilising Arabic at all levels, noting that there was no justification for neglecting the language when other nations proudly use their indigenous languages for education.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Occasion, Professor Ibrahim Muhammad, represented by Dr Ahmad Tijjani Ramadan, and Ambassador Professor Shehu Ahmad Said Galadanchi delivered goodwill messages, highlighting the importance of sustained scholarship and the global relevance of Arabic language and literature.
Principal officers of Northwest University Kano, including the Pro-Chancellor, Professor Hafiz Abubakar, were in attendance, underscoring the university’s commitment to academic excellence and the promotion of Arabic language and literature.
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