Markaz University College, Arabic and Islamic Centre (MARKAZ), in affiliation with the University of Ilorin, has held its maiden matriculation ceremony, inducting 22 male and female students who are aspiring to become experts in Arabic Language and Islamic jurispudence.
The Registrar, Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Prof. Is-haq Oloyede, while speaking during the inaugural matriculation ceremony, urged the undergraduates to make judicious use of the opportunity and commended the founder of the institution, Sheikh Adam Al Ilory for establishing the institution in the 50’s to provide education for Muslim children.
“The founder of this place foresaw the Almajiri problems and established this institution in 1952 to eradicate this problem in the Southwest. Many other places did not see it coming, but Sheikh Adam foresaw it and established this place. I could have been Almajiri myself after I finished my primary school. I came into this institution and he trained me. It is from this institution I was admitted into the University of Ibadan,” he said.
Prof Oloyede expressed satisfaction that the institution has contributed immensely to human capital development as it has produced many professors, vice-chancellors and people who have made their marks all over the world.
“This is a centre of knowledge when it comes to Arabic and Islamic studies. The institution was established by somebody who has written over 100 books that are being read all over the world in the area of Islamic law, jurisprudence, Arabic and literature, among others.”
The Vice Chancellor of UNILORIN, Prof. Wahab Egbewole who presided over the matriculation, urged the students to seize the opportunity and make the best of it, noting that the essence of matriculation is to expose the student formerly to the institution.
The founder and proprietor of the Markaz University College, Sheikh Habibullah Adam Abdullah El-Ilory, in his address, disclosed that the thought about the University came after the centenary anniversary of the late Sheikh El-Ilory in 2018.
He recalled that since then, he has pre-occupied himself with the thought of the life and times of his late father – which he pointed out, were dedicated to knowledge searching, worshipping and spreading of knowledge.
Sheikh Habeeb specified that Markaz’s idea was an answer to the question of how best he could advance the legacy left by the internationally acclaimed great Islamic scholar.
He thanked individuals who have contributed and supported the Markaz University project, calling on parents and guardians to encourage their children to be admitted to the institution.
In his address, Kwara State Governor, Abdul Rahman Abdul Rasak, who was represented by his Senior Special Assistant on Community Development, Dr. Muhammad Awwal Olohungbebe attested that Markaz has been one of the Nigerian leading institutions, playing a pivotal role, in promoting Arabic and Islamic education within the country and beyond.
In his goodwill message, the Baba Adinni of Lagos, Alhaji Sikiru Alabi-Macfoy, stressed the importance of a succession plan. He eulogized Markaz for its milestone achievement over the years for producing knowledgeable and courageous students, saying that the Lagos Muslim Ummah looks forward to the products of Markaz, especially the young ones to be exposed to knowledge and leadership ethos.
He applauded the present Mudir for upgrading the Arabic school to a university.
The guest lecturer, Vice Chancellor, African School of Economics, Nigeria, Prof. Mahfouz Adedimeji, expressed delight that Markaz University College started with a good and solid foundation.
Speaking on development, Prof Adedimeji asserted that globally, the alumni and alumni bodies give substantial support to their alma mater. He charged all Markaz old students on substantial and consistent support to the University College – including giving scholarships to students.
He appealed to the alumni to donate generously to improve facilities in Markaz, promote academic excellence, and institute scholarships to attract the best students.
Pro-Chancellor and Chairman, Governing Council, Summit University, Offa, Kwara State, Alhaji Rafiu Ebiti, affirmed that there was no limit to what the new students could do, citing the example that Arabic ranks alongside English as an international language.
He said: “We should be able to fortify the quantum and quality of those who can communicate with and teach Arabic language,” insisting that the students have made the right choice, by extending their knowledge of Arabic, therefore, they should be encouraged in their new journey.
The Director of Academic Planning, Markaz University, Nurudeen Ibrahim, said the centre was upgraded to a university college in January 2024. “Markaz has been running a qualification equivalent to SSCE close to 70 years and it is old enough to have higher qualification, especially, first degree,” he said.
