Professor Abubakar Salisu Abdullahi Delivers 29th Inaugural Lecture of Prince Abubakar Audu University, Anyigba

Professor of Arabic Language and Literature, Prof. Abubakar Salisu Abdullahi, has traced historical development, growth, spread and literary contributions of Arabic language in Confluence Area of Nigeria, highlighting roles of trade, Islam, education, Islamic institutions and scholarly activities in its preservation and advancement.

Prof. Abdullahi made presentation while delivering 29th Inaugural Lecture of Prince Abubakar Audu University, Anyigba, on Tuesday, October 6, 2026, on topic: "Developmental Tracks of Arabic Language in the Confluence Area of Nigeria (1960–2008)."

Inaugural Lecturer explained Arabic occupies prominent position among world's major languages, with significant cultural, historical, religious, intellectual and diplomatic importance.

He noted Arabic was adopted by United Nations in 1974 as one of its six official languages, while its central position in Islam has sustained its use as language of Qur'an and major medium of religious and scholarly communication across world.

Prof. Abdullahi also stressed historical importance of Arabic in documentation, noting Arabic has been used for record-keeping in Nigeria since at least eleventh century.

In his words, Arabic manuscripts and writings in Arabic script constitute important sources for reconstructing intellectual, religious, political and cultural history of Sub-Saharan Africa.

Tracing emergence of Arabic in West Africa, Professor explained commercial relations between North and West Africa created important channels for movement of people, ideas, languages and cultures long before widespread expansion of Islam.

He identified commercial links between North African merchants and Hausa states and Kanem-Borno Empire as significant factors that facilitated gradual spread of Arabic influence across region.

He further highlighted Tripoli-Borno, Tunisia-Kano and Morocco-Kano routes through Timbuktu as important trans-Saharan channels through which Arabic and Islam expanded into West Africa.

Prof. Abdullahi stated early commercial contacts contributed to introduction of Arabic loanwords into local languages, including Hausa and Igala, while spread of Islam subsequently gave Arabic more structured role in religious, educational and cultural life.

On development of Arabic in Kogi State, Prof. Abdullahi explained Confluence Area maintained commercial relations with major northern centres including Kano, Katsina, Zaria and Kanem-Borno.

He noted North African traders frequented markets in Lokoja, Itobe, Gbagana and Afor Gam Gam, thereby facilitating contact among Hausa, Kanuri, Arabic and indigenous communities.

Inaugural Lecturer observed Arabic and Islam became established in different parts of Kogi State at different periods, with spread of Islam providing stronger foundation for Arabic education and scholarship.

He disclosed that between 1980 and 2003, Arabic experienced notable growth in Kogi State, driven by commercial activities, Muslim scholars and preachers, establishment of mosques and Qur'anic schools, Sufi organisations, educational mobility, modern Islamic schools, Islamic associations, government schools and technological advancement.

Prof. Abdullahi explained scholars and preachers established traditional schools where Qur'anic recitation, Arabic grammar and Islamic studies were taught, while mosques also served as early centres of learning.

He noted Madrasahs produced students who later became teachers, thereby contributing to continued transmission of Arabic knowledge in region.

He further highlighted contributions of Tijaniyyah and other Islamic organisations through schools, seminars, scholarly activities and writings on Islamic teachings.

On educational mobility, Prof. Abdullahi noted parents sent children to institutions in Sokoto, Kano, Maiduguri, Saudi Arabia and other locations to acquire Islamic and Arabic education, with many graduates returning to region to teach and contribute to development of Arabic scholarship.

He identified establishment of Kogi State University, now Prince Abubakar Audu University, in 1999 as major milestone in formal academic development of Arabic and Islamic Studies in state.

Inaugural Lecturer also acknowledged contributions of organisations such as Jama'atu Nasril Islam (JNI) and Izala to Arabic learning through schools, seminars and other educational activities.

He explained technological developments, including typewriters, computers, Internet, radio, television and improved transportation, further enhanced growth and dissemination of Arabic language and scholarship in Kogi State.

On literary production in Confluence Area, Prof. Abdullahi noted Arabic literary activities grew considerably between 1960 and 2008, largely as result of expansion of educational and religious institutions.

He explained that before 1960, Arabic literary production was relatively limited but scholars and traditional rulers who were relocated to Lokoja during colonial period contributed to Qur'anic teaching and Arabic literary activities.

Among those associated with early development of Arabic literary activities, he mentioned Muhammad Kwaso, Emir of Zaria; Emir Abubakar of Bida; Muhammad Bashir; and Ali Dan Sayed.

Prof. Abdullahi added Arabic poetry flourished as Arabic schools produced scholars who became proficient in reading and writing poetry, while study of classical Arabic works further strengthened their mastery of language.

He identified major themes in Arabic poetry in Kogi State as praise, lamentation, satire, preaching and guidance, supplication, social occasions and expressions of pride

He explained educational poetry was also used to communicate Islamic knowledge and facilitate memorisation, with scholars employing poetry as means of teaching religious concepts and linguistic knowledge.

On Arabic prose, Inaugural Lecturer noted its development in region was reflected particularly in religious sermons and correspondence, demonstrating growing ability of local scholars to use Arabic for religious instruction, communication and intellectual expression.

Prof. Abdullahi stressed need to preserve Arabic manuscripts and document works of scholars from Lokoja, Ankpa, Idah, Dekina, Okene and other parts of Confluence Area, describing them as valuable records of region's intellectual and religious history.

He maintained history of Arabic in Kogi State demonstrates close relationship between Islam, education, commerce, scholarship and literary production.

He added development of Arabic was not merely linguistic phenomenon but also reflection of religious, educational, cultural and intellectual transformation that occurred across region.

In his recommendations, Prof. Abdullahi called for promotion of Arabic education at all levels, increased support for research, establishment of more schools and printing presses, formation of Arabic-speaking associations and employment of qualified Arabic teachers.

He also urged Islamic societies and educators to remain committed to continued development and preservation of Arabic language in Kogi State.

Prof. Abdullahi is first son of Igala land in eastern Kogi State to become Professor of Arabic Language and Literature.

Earlier, Chairman of Inaugural Lecture Committee, Prof. S. S. Arogba, congratulated inaugural lecturer on attaining significant academic milestone.

In his address, Vice-Chancellor of Prince Abubakar Audu University, Anyigba, Prof. Salisu Ogbo Usman, represented by Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Prof. Sani Rufai Abdullahi, described 29th Inaugural Lecture as reaffirmation of University's commitment to rigorous scholarship, intellectual engagement, knowledge preservation and application of knowledge to societal development.

Prof. Usman described topic as timely and significant, noting Arabic is among oldest languages of literacy and learning in region and has, over centuries, served as language of faith, scholarship, trade, correspondence, record-keeping and literary expression among Nigerian communities.

He noted historical development of Arabic therefore forms important part of intellectual, cultural and social history of Nigerian people.

Vice-Chancellor added Confluence Area, deriving its name from meeting of Niger and Benue Rivers, has historically served as meeting point of peoples, cultures, languages, faiths and commercial activities.

Prof. Usman stressed scholarship on history of Arabic in Confluence Area extends beyond language and literature, noting it provides useful material for curriculum development, educational planning, language policy and preservation of knowledge that might otherwise be lost.

He also emphasised role of universities as centres for production, preservation, transmission and application of knowledge, describing Prof. Abdullahi's scholarship as example of locally grounded academic inquiry with enduring relevance.

Vice-Chancellor noted in plural society such as Nigeria, greater knowledge of languages, histories and intellectual traditions of different communities can promote mutual understanding, cultural appreciation and national cohesion.

He congratulated Prof. Abdullahi on academic milestone and commended choice of subject, connecting Arabic language and literature with history, culture and heritage of Confluence Area.

Prof. Usman also expressed appreciation to members of Inaugural Lecture Committee, distinguished guests, members of University community, friends of University and members of public for contributing to success of academic occasion.

Lecture attracted members of University Governing Council, Management and Senate, academic and non-teaching staff, students, traditional and religious leaders, friends of University and other distinguished guests from within and outside University community.