Majma’ Lagos Academy, a training and research institute of Western and Arabic education and sciences, has emphasised the need to harness Arabic and Islamic knowledge for economic development through training and research.
Its convener and former dean, Faculty of Education, Sokoto State University, Dr Saheed Rufai, who stated this at press conference in Lagos on Monday, stressed the need to equip Islamic scholars, translators, teachers and counsellors with adequate and sellable learning and training in deploying their skills for nation building.
He said the innovative institute which started in 2008 and now ready to unveil its next phase of training frontiers, is in partnership with local and international scholars to share knowledge for impact positively on the society.
He said: “Because our programmes are development-focused, the training and research knowledge offered by the institute can be harnessed for national development. We train with our eyes on what each trainee can offer the country. We probe into what they can contribute to the economy and nation building.
“So, the training we offer is evidence-based and result-oriented. It is development-driven and as such, the country has a lot to benefit from the programme.”
He also said Majma’ Lagos would unveil its next phase of academic expansion at its forthcoming international symposium, where local and international scholars would engage on ways to transfer knowledge as well as putting Arabic and Islamic jurisprudence in proper perspectives in the country.
First International Symposium
According to him, the forthcoming confab would hold on December 3, 2022, for Muslim and non-Muslim participants.
The programme, with the theme, ‘Emerging Concerns over Arabic Language, Economic Development and Islamic Jurisprudence,’ will take place at the Islamic Centre, University of Lagos, Akoka.
According to the institute, former Minister of Higher Education, Egypt and Secretary-General, Association of Arab Universities, Prof. Izzat Salama, will deliver the keynote lecture at the event.
He said this is aimed at providing empowerment, world-class training and scientific research insights in modern areas of long-felt need, in both the Islamic and Western tradition, with an eye on economic development and social integration.
He listed Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Dr Kadiri Hamzat; former Lagos Commissioner for Environment, Dr Muiz Banire; former vice-chancellor, University of Algiers, Algeria, Dr Khamisi Hamidi among other personalities to grace the graduation ceremony.
The Maiden Convocation
Meanwhile, the institute will also graduate the first set of 10 students Sunday, December 4 at Radisson BLU Hotel, Ikeja Lagos.
Dr. Rufai said while some students would graduate with certificates and diplomas, others would graduate with postgraduate diplomas in Arabic and Shariah studies.
In his remark, Professor Lukumon Adeoti who is the Chairman of the graduation planning committee re-emphasised that the Majma’ Lagos academy is designed to become a leading world-class development-focussed training and research institute that will equip its products or participants with knowledge, skills and values that can earn them a central place in the Islamic tradition and Western heritage.
He pointed out that the convener of the academy is passionate about the school with conviction that it would project Islamic religion and impact the society positively.
