*Photo:Alhaji Rafiu Ebiti, speaking at the SUAB dinner*
Despite the present level of digitisation, especially with the latest invention of Artificial Intelligence AI, human and institutional collaborations, targeted at innovation, transformation and development are still vital.
This apparently influenced the initiative by some private Universities in Nigeria to explore engagements on programmes and capital development with their counterparts outside the country.
This was evident in a private dinner by the Summit University Advancement Bureau ( SUAB), featuring the hosting stakeholders and leadership of Association Arab Universities, last Sunday, in Lagos.
SUAB is a subsidiary of Summit University, Offa, Kwara State, North Central Nigeria.
Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council of the University, Alhaji Rafiu Ebiti in his address at the dinner, said the initiative is primarily to create a network and medium to move the institution forward in this age of technology, corporation, and collaboration.
Alhaji Ebiti pointed out that it is very clear that the study of Arabic Language which is the language of the holy Quran is very diverse in Nigeria.
He added: “It is also pertinent to mention that some of the governments founded Universities are reluctant to set up facilities and faculties for the study of Arabic and Islamic Religious knowledge. However, consolation is now reassuring with the advent of Nigeria Private Universities offering these courses.
“More needs to be done in terms of applying technology to teachings of not only Arabic and Islamic Language but also Islamic law and jurisprudence”.
While reiterating the need for collaboration, Alhaji Ebiti called on guests at the dinner to create a platform to collaborate with the Association of Arab Universities to achieve the set objectives.
Similarly, he enjoined dignitaries at the session to support the move, using MAJMA which is currently in an agreement with the Association to move the project forward.
Alhaji Ebiti disclosed: “We (Summit University) are in the process of establishing International College of Islamic & Arabic Studies with digital humanities and oriental studies”, adding that the institution would like to extend the request to its guest – Association Arab Universities, for support and collaboration, especially in the areas of technical and human resources.
“We look forward to a meaningful collaboration and discussion” Ebiti restated.
While addressing the gathering, SUAB General Manager, Dr Nurat Akinlabi Babalola, pointed out that the dinner was meant to foster collaboration and feed ideas, explore opportunity for mutual growth and development, to share academic excellence and cultural heritage of Nigerian institutions – to advance knowledge and promote “cross cultural understanding…”
Still on collaboration, SUAB GM said: it owes potential for innovation…to foster partnership strategy between Summit and Arab Universities to promote academic exchange programmes/research collaboration and joint projects, explore opportunities for exchange programmes and Faculty development”.
Dr Akinlabi – Babalola declared: “As we embark on the collaboration, we recognise the importance of mutual respect, trust and open communication, committed to working together to achieve shared goal and aspiration”.
The Vice Chancellor of Summit University, Prof. Musa Aibinu while responding to journalists at the dinner, specified that the University hoped to have about five years programmes, regarding exchange – where “we visit and they also visit Nigeria” for students, academic staff and Faculty development.
Speaking on the choice of partners, Prof. Aibinu disclosed that Summit University is not “… looking at only the fourth industrial revolution, instead, we looked at the curriculum, vision of what we need to do” with respect to the fourth industrial revolution.
The University don said given the ongoing initiatives, the target is to see Summit University in five year’s time becoming a reference point among the ranked Universities in Nigeria.
Prof Aibinu’s counterpart from the Crescent University, Abeokuta, Prof. Ibrahim Gbajabiamila applauded the collaboration, saying that at this time, universities should have what it takes to become real place of academic research and where students are trained to fit for employment in the face of modern technology and present realities.
The President of the University of Lagos Muslim Alumni, Dr Mumuni Alao hailed the collaboration, noting that in the context of digitisation, the move is inevitable, adding that what to learn in the deal is that other universities who are still lagging behind to take a cue from what the Summit, Crescent and some public universities are doing.
The dinner was was graced by the Secretary-General, Association of Arab Universities Amman, Jordan, Prof. Amr Ezzat Salama, a former Lagos State Commissioner for the Environment, Dr Muiz Banire, Vice Chancellor, Crescent University Abeokuta, Prof. Ibrahim Gbajabiamila, his counterpart from the Summit University Prof. Musa Aibinu, Vice Chancellor, Fountain University Prof. Ramota Kareem, her predecessor and Chief Iman, Lagos State University Muslim Community, Prof. Amidu Sanni.
Others include the Chief Iman, University of Lagos Muslim Community, Prof. Ismail Musa; MAJMA representative, Prof. Saheed Ahmad-Rufai; the Managing Director of the Lotus Capital, Alhaja Kafilat Adeoye, Alhaji YKO Kareem of The Companion, among others.
Alhamdulillah and Jazakumullahu khaeran.