Two distinguished Nigerian scholars from the fields of Arabic literature and Islamic studies have been recognized with the prestigious Sheikh Hamad International Award for Translation and International Understanding.
The award committee announced that Professor Mashood Mahmood Jimba, a renowned scholar of Arabic literature and the Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Kwara State University, won the prize for his remarkable translations from Yoruba into Arabic. His works include The Bold Hunter in the Forest of Jinns (As-Sayyad Al-Jaree fi Ghābat Al-‘Afarīt) and Waka Ilorin.
Additionally, Dr. Sharafudeen Badibo, an esteemed Islamic scholar and director of Madinah Islamic Center in Ogbomosho, was honored for his translations from Arabic into Yoruba. His translated works include the famous Bulugh Al-Maram (Attainment of the Objective) and other significant Islamic texts.
The Nigerian Center for Arabic Research extended its heartfelt congratulations to the two scholars, praising their dedication and contribution to knowledge and cultural exchange. The center also expressed gratitude to the Sheikh Hamad Award’s General Secretariat for their trust and collaboration and acknowledged the media delegation led by Dr. Hanan Fayadh for visiting Nigeria.
Special thanks were conveyed to the State of Qatar for its continuous efforts in fostering intercultural dialogue through this noble initiative. The inclusion of the Yoruba language in this year’s award categories is a testament to the center’s relentless efforts in advocating for the recognition of African languages in global academic and cultural platforms.
The awards ceremony took place today at the Kempinski Hotel Pearl Doha, where winners received their trophies and medals in a grand celebration.