Delegates from Around the World to Attend NATAIS International Conference in Yola – Prof. Adesina

By Ahmed Rufa’i, Dutse

Professor Musa Abdurrahaman Adesina, President of the Nigerian Association of Teachers of Arabic and Islamic Studies (NATAIS), has announced that delegates from around the globe are expected to participate in the association’s International Conference in Yola, Adamawa State.

Speaking in Dutse, Jigawa State, during a press briefing, Professor Adesina stated that preparations are well underway for the conference scheduled for next month. “We are here in Jigawa for the NATAIS National Executive Council meeting to finalize arrangements for the international conference in Yola,” he explained.

The president acknowledged the challenges ahead, particularly rising costs, stating, “We initially planned this conference last year but were unable to proceed. With current economic conditions, we urgently need government support to ensure its success.”

He called upon all levels of government, not just in Adamawa State but throughout Nigeria, to contribute to the conference, anticipating significant participation from national and international members. “Delegates are expected from Al-Azhar University in Egypt, Europe, and various African countries,” he added.

Professor Adesina expressed gratitude to the Jigawa State government and its governor for their support and hospitality towards the national executive council members during their visit. He commended the governor for advancing Arabic and Islamic Studies education, noting that “Jigawa State has the highest number of public secondary schools for Arabic and Islamic Studies in Nigeria, which is commendable.”

In his remarks, Professor Abubakar Sani Birnin Kudu, head of the Education Department at Federal University Dutse, highlighted Jigawa’s unique educational landscape. “Jigawa is the only state with a parallel education system at the secondary level, featuring over 77 Arabic and Islamic Studies schools, which is unprecedented in Nigeria,” he stated.

Reflecting on his tenure as chairman of the Arabic and Islamic Education Bureau from 2019 to 2023, Professor Birnin Kudu shared, “When I took office, there were 47 senior Arabic and Islamic secondary schools. By the time I left in 2023, that number had risen to 73.” He attributed this growth to government support and a commitment to enhancing Islamic and Arabic education in the state.

“While challenges exist, the progress we are making is impressive,” he concluded.