By joshua 
Don calls for establishment of Center for Afro-Arabic Indigenous Science and Knowledge Systems
From Esther Akaa, Lafia
A Professor of Arabic Literary Criticism and Afrabic Historiography at the Federal University of Lafia ( FuLafia), Prof Adam Sirajudeen has advocated for the establishment of a Center for Afro-Arabic Indigenous Science and Knowledge Systems (Afro-Arabic Manuscriptology) to enable researchers explore the aspects of indigenous science in Afro-Arabic writing.
Prof Sirajudeen made the advocacy while presenting his inaugural lecture on the topic: ” Beaming the “Dark Africa”: Construction, Deconstruction and Reconstruction of Afrabic Historiography” at the 19th inaugural lecture series of FuLafia held in Lafia on Tuesday.
He said , the establishment of the centre would assist researchers in identifying materials that will supplement the existing manuscripts, particularly in indigenous science and knowledge systems that can help showcase the contributions of scholars on the concepts of universality of indigenous science and its application for further laboratory researches.
Prof Sirajudeen explained that, Islamic scholarship has taken Arabic as its vehicle for communication, saying that other subjects such as mathematics, medicine, animal science, astronomy, astrology, numerology, among others, which were evidence of Egyptian influence on Arabic are written in Arabic.
The Professor who is from the Department of Arabic Studies at the University, also stressed the need to develop a curriculum on Arabic Language & Literature; Arabic & Global Communication and Arabic & International Studies, as well as Arabic for specific purposes especially at the postgraduate level to encourage the study of Afrabic manuscripts for contemporary research outputs.
He said, “The significance of Arabic writings as prime sources of African history is real as traditions of people were written down for onward transmission to the following generation.
“It should be noted that the Prolegomena of Ibn Khaldun, for example, until recently had little influence and was not recognised. In short, early African Arabic epigraphy were more than mere mention of religious texts, Islamic sciences and propagation, however included a compilation of writings on jurisprudence, politics, and law. They served as sources of indigenous African markers of events, which were valuable for socio-political and economic gains.
” These African Arabic scholars have tremendously contributed to the Arabic historiography of Africa through their various writings such as letters, chronicles, grants, memoirs among others. Thus, there is need for collaborative efforts with archives and museums particularly where the Arabic manuscripts are housed and collection of such materials in other countries as those found in the United States, Germany, Mali among others for further research.”
He, therefore called for the establishment of a Center for Translation and Interpretation Studies (CTIS) and African Arabic Manuscripts Collection at the FULafia Central Library in order to interprete the information contained in treatises for study and application.
In his remarks, the Vice Chancellor of the institution, Prof Shehu Abdul Rahman said the inaugural lecture serves as a platform for professors to share their experiences or achievements in research, innovation, engagement and teaching activities.
“This is an opportunity for Prof. Sirajudeen to showcase his knowledge, passion, intelligence, strength of personality and conviction, in a very special and admirable manner. Prof. Adam Sirajudeen is a very hard-working academic and has the driving spirit for excellence.
” I am aware and indeed witnessed his excellent performance in his capacity as Director of Research and Creative Thoughts, and Chairman of Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit (ACTU) of this University,” the VC added.
The VC expressed happiness with the inaugural lecturer, the Department of
Arabic Studies and the Faculty of Arts on the achievement and urged other professors who are yet to deliver their inaugural lecture to do so.