KHAIRUN Holds Landmark Symposium on Indigenous Knowledge Systems

Khalifa Isyaku Rabiu University, Kano (KHAIRUN) successfully held a symposium on Indigenous Knowledge Systems, organized by KHAIRUN Centre for Indigenous Knowledge Systems (KCIKS) on Tuesday, 2nd December, 2025. The event, themed “Promoting Traditional Knowledge Systems in Kano for Innovation and Economic Growth,” brought together scholars, practitioners, and students to explore the integration of traditional knowledge with modern education.

In his opening remarks, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Abdulrashid Garba, commended the Centre for organizing the symposium. He emphasized its importance in fostering mutual learning. He spoke on education and knowledge, noting that knowledge has no homeland, tribe, or religion. According to him, wherever complete knowledge is found, how it is applied determines whether it becomes religious knowledge, health knowledge, science, or technology. He emphasized that KHAIRUN wants its students to pursue modern education while also integrating traditional knowledge in their various fields. This vision, he explained, led to the establishment of the Centre for Indigenous Knowledge Systems. Prof. Garba also highlighted KHAIRUN’s unique compulsory programmes, which include Qur’anic recitation and memorization, Moral Lessons, Entrepreneurship, as well as Arabic and French languages.

Speaking at the event, Prof. Auwal Ibrahim, Director of KCIKS, explained that KHAIRUN is the first university in Nigeria to establish a centre dedicated to indigenous knowledge. He mentioned that the centre aims to document traditional knowledge practices such as weaving, dyeing, pottery, fishing, midwifery, herbal medicine, and more, in order to contribute to societal development. Prof. Ibrahim also announced plans for future research initiatives to identify challenges and propose solutions, alongside the creation of a platform to showcase indigenous knowledge skills.

The symposium marked a significant step in promoting the integration of traditional knowledge systems with modern education, reinforcing KHAIRUN’s vision of producing well rounded graduates capable of driving innovation and economic growth in Kano and beyond.