By Abdulfatah Babatunde
Islamic Scholars across Nigeria stormed Ijebu Ode, Ogun State to honour an erudite foremost mentor, the late Prof. M.O.A Abdul, describing him as the founding father of the study and teaching of Arabic and Islamic studies in the country.
The historic event took place at the Tai Solarin University of Education, Ijagun, Ijebu Ode with the public presentation of a book in honour of the late scholar.
TheNewsZenith reports that the Nigeria Association of Teachers of Arabic and Islamic Studies (NATAIS), organised the book presentation.
In his keynote speech, a renowned Professor of Arabic and Islamic studies, Prof. Dawud Noibi implored Muslims to contribute effectively towards the development of their communities and humanity while alive.
Noibi said there was the need for religious bodies like NATAIS, to serious consideration to giving `life-after-death’ its rightful place in the curriculum and teaching.
The former Executive Secretary of Muslim Ummah of South West Nigeria (MUSWEN) noted that celebrating a role model in the ascendancy of Arabic and Islamic Studies in Nigeria, deserves the honour.
“Going on his impactive efforts while on earth, the late MOA Abdul deserved the honour”.
According to him, the late scholar had made an indelible marks as a trainer of intellectuals and good role model within both the academic community and the wider society.
Also speaking, Prof. Abayomi Arigbabu, the Ogun State Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, described the late Prof. Abdul as a leading light in Arabic and Islamic education.
Arigbabu said 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.
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The Commissioner pledged that the state government would distribute copies of the book compiled in memory of MOA Abdul, across the tertiary institutions in the state.
“This is as a mark to respect and to sustain his legacy.”
Earlier, the President of NATAIS, Prof. Musa Abdulraheem said that the book launch was part of the efforts of the religious body to immortalise the immense contributions of the late scholar.
“It is also to grow Islamic and Arabic education in Nigeria,” AbdulRaheem said.
He solicited supports for the development of the NATAIS.
Reviewing the book, Prof. Mufutau Oloyede AbdulRahmon, one of the students of Prof. Abdul, said the book captured the essence of what the honouree lived for.
Abdulrahmon, who doubles as the Chief Imam of the University of Ibadan Mosque recommended the book for all, irrespective of faith and creed.
The 456-page book is entitled “Ascendancy of Arabic and Islamic Studies in Nigeria” festschrift in honour of late Professor M.O.A Abdul (1926-1986).
Some former students and beneficiaries of the late Prof. M.O.A. Abdul edited and contributed to the publication of the book.
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