MAJMA’ Lagos Graduates New Set Of Students
The Secretary General, Association of Arab Universities, and Egypt former Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Professor Amr Ezzat Salama, has said that societal progress should not solely be measured by advancements in natural sciences, because unregulated growth of applied sciences without a parallel advancement in humanities and social sciences may have adverse consequences for humanity.
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Speaking at the graduation ceremony of the 2023 and 2024 classes from the MAJMA Research and Training Centre, Lagos in Arabic and Shari’ah studies, Salama stated that human history has repeatedly demonstrated the risks of unbalanced scientific development without a comprehensive understanding of human and social phenomena.

He, therefore, underscored the importance of studying Islamic, social, and human sciences, as they shape human awareness.

Salama urged the graduates to remain steadfast in adhering to the values derived from the Holy Qur’an and the Sunnah, adopting a balanced approach in faith, conduct, and service to their communities while spreading noble values.

“The Arabic language, chosen by Allah as the medium for His final revelation, is the language of the Holy Qur’an, the Sunnah, prayer, pilgrimage, supplication, and the rich Islamic civilization that has flourished across centuries. For every Muslim, understanding Islam in its true essence cannot rely solely on translated works but must come directly from the original texts written in Arabic.

“During the medieval era, the Islamic kingdoms that thrived in East and West Africa played a significant role in rooting the Arabic language among local populations and transferring Islamic civilization and thought.”

Congratulating the graduates, Salama stated that the academic degrees are the fruit of hard work and dedication which will serve as keys to their next endeavours.

“I also encourage you to equip yourselves with Islamic knowledge while keeping pace with advancements in science and technology, particularly in the context of the Fourth Industrial Revolution. This revolution has introduced a new reality, demanding advanced skills in fields like artificial intelligence, automation, and big data.

“The Fourth Industrial Revolution and AI technologies have significantly transformed the nature of jobs, creating an urgent need to balance applied sciences and humanities. This ensures that technological progress becomes a tool for building societies, not a threat to them.
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“I must stress the importance of studying Islamic, social, and human sciences, as they shape human awareness. Societal progress is not solely contingent on advancements in natural sciences.

“The unregulated growth of applied sciences without a parallel advancement in humanities and social sciences may have adverse consequences for humanity. Human history has repeatedly demonstrated the risks of unbalanced scientific development without a comprehensive understanding of human and social phenomena.”

Salama argued that the youths are the primary drivers of development and its ultimate beneficiaries. “Therefore, we must continue investing in young people through education, training, and skill development to ensure they remain innovative and distinguished in this era of rapid transformation.

“The mission of the Association of Arab Universities is to solidify the true image of Islam and its noble message to humanity. The association supports academic and scientific endeavours aimed at spreading the teachings of Islam based on its primary sources, the Qur’an and the Sunnah.

“Notably, the Association’s Sharia Colleges Network plays a leading role in publishing research and studies in Islamic sciences across Arab universities.

“In our discussions with leaders in Nigeria, the Association seeks to strengthen collaboration with Nigerian academic institutions, particularly in Arabic language education, Islamic studies, and historical research. The Association has also organised training programmess for students of the Research and Training Complex at Arab universities, reaffirming its commitment to supporting higher education and serving the issues of the Islamic nation.”

In his presentation on the goals and aspirations of the institute, President, MAJMA Research and Training Centre, Professor Saheed Ahmed Rufai, highlighted the centre’s area of focus to principally be around training in Islamic Revealed Studies (English, Arabic), Arabic Studies (Arabic, English), Educational Studies (English, Arabic), General Studies (English) and other possible areas of societal need.
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He also said that the centre would be engaging in research and publications, counseling as well as speaking with the target audience being residents of Nigeria who want to learn Arabic and/or further their Islamic education though it would not be blind to interested persons from outside Nigeria if they are willing and able to sponsor the above persons.

Rufai said that the channel of engagement for its training, publications and public speaking will be through website, social media and conventional media along with in-person classes, online instruction, distance learning and directed self-study.

As the centre looks into the future including expanding its reach, Rufai said that it needs support to have its own building, computers, office furniture, office equipment, bus, library and broadband internet.

One of the special guests at the event, Pro-chancellor/ Chairman, Governing Council of Summit University, Offa, Kwara State, Alhaji Rafiu Adisa Ebiti, also tasked Muslims to learn and deeply understand Arabic language as a pathway to understanding the teachings of Qur’an and the voice of Allah.

At the event, diploma, advanced diploma and post graduate diploma certificates in Arabic and Shari’ah were presented to graduates trained through MAJMA Training and Research Centre, Lagos.
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