Northwest University Kano Hosts Maiden International Conference on Arabic Language and Literature

The Department of Arabic Language, Northwest University Kano (NWU), on Monday, 5th January 2026, successfully organized its 1st International Conference on Arabic Language and Literature, themed “Arabic Language and Literature from the Twentieth Century to the Present: Achievements, Trends and Perspectives.”

The historic academic gathering took place at the Professor Hafiz Abubakar Auditorium, City Campus, and attracted a large turnout of scholars, academics, diplomats, and students from within and outside the university.

The conference marked a significant milestone for the Department of Arabic Language, being its first international academic engagement of this magnitude. Participants described the event as timely and intellectually stimulating, given the contemporary relevance of Arabic language and literature in global scholarship.

In his welcome address, the Chairman of the Local Organizing Committee, Professor Ayuba Shehu Ahmad Rufa’i, expressed gratitude to participants for honoring the invitation and described the conference as a landmark achievement for the department and the university at large. He emphasized the historic nature of the gathering and its potential contribution to advancing Arabic studies.

Delivering the host’s opening remarks, the Dean of the Faculty of Humanities, Dr. Yusuf Ahmad Gwarzo, called on participants to pay close attention to the carefully selected speakers, noting that the quality of the papers presented would greatly benefit the teeming participants and enrich scholarly discourse in Arabic language and literature.

In her response, the Vice-Chancellor of Northwest University Kano, Professor Amina Salihi Bayero, warmly welcomed all delegates to the university. She commended the Department of Arabic Language and the organizing committee for conceptualizing and successfully hosting the conference. Professor Bayero urged participants to be active throughout the sessions, listen attentively, and apply the knowledge gained to teaching, research, and community engagement.

The conference featured two major academic papers presented in Arabic. The first keynote address was delivered by Professor Abubakar Magaji Abdullahi of Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria. Lead Paper One was presented 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 (BUK). The papers critically examined developments, challenges, and future prospects of Arabic language and literature from the twentieth century to the present.

In his remarks, His Highness, the Emir of Kano, Khalifa, Dr. Muhammadu Sanusi II, called on Arabic language scholars and speakers to be more proactive in promoting and utilizing the language at all levels. He stressed that there was no justification for neglecting Arabic, especially when other nations proudly use their indigenous languages for teaching and learning. He expressed delight at the opportunity to participate in the conference and congratulated the department for organizing such a meaningful academic forum.

Earlier, the Chairman of the Occasion, Professor Ibrahim Muhammad, who was ably represented by Dr. Ahmad Tijjani Ramadan, delivered a goodwill message highlighting the importance of academic collaboration and sustained scholarship in Arabic studies. Similarly, Ambassador Professor Shehu Ahmad Said Galadanchi also delivered a speech, highlighting the global relevance of Arabic language and literature.

The conference concluded with a vote of thanks by the Head of the Department of Arabic Language, who appreciated the Vice-Chancellor, invited guests, speakers, participants, and the organizing committee for their roles in ensuring the success of the event.

The occasion was well attended by all principal officers of Northwest University Kano, including the Pro-Chancellor of the University, Professor Hafiz Abubakar, further highlighting the institution’s commitment to academic excellence and the promotion of Arabic language and literature.