*Photo:Professor Al-Khidr Abdel Baqi Muhammad*
In a significant recognition of scholarly excellence and cross-continental collaboration, the Algerian Academy of Arabic Language has conferred the prestigious Medal of Senior Arabic Scholars on Professor Al-Khidr Abdel Baqi Muhammad, a leading Nigerian academic and pan-African Arabic language advocate.
The award was announced following a high-level academic meeting held at the headquarters of the Academy in Algiers. The meeting was presided over by Professor Dr. Sharif Miribai, Chairman of the Academy, and brought together key stakeholders to discuss strategies for advancing the Arabic language and its culture across Nigeria and other African nations.
Professor Al-Khidr, who currently serves as the Head of the Media and Relations Committee of the Union of African Muslim Scholars, is also the Director of the Nigerian Center for Arabic Research and President of the African Union for Arabists. His lifelong commitment to Arabic scholarship, capacity-building, and regional linguistic integration were key factors that informed the decision to bestow this honour.
The Board of the Algerian Academy lauded Professor Al-Khidr’s academic contributions, particularly his relentless efforts in promoting Arabic in sub-Saharan Africa through education, research, and institutional collaboration.
The Secretariat of the Union of African Muslim Scholars, through its Department of Media and Public Relations, extended heartfelt congratulations and appreciation to Professor Al-Khidr Abdel Baqi Muhammad for this distinguished recognition.
This honour is not only a personal achievement for Professor Al-Khidr but also a symbol of the growing intellectual synergy between Arabophone North Africa and African nations striving to elevate Arabic language scholarship.