An Islamic scholar, Prof. Hamzat AbdulRaheem has said, Darul-Uloom Arabic school has produced top Islamic scholars that spread the knowledge of Arabic around the world, thereby confirming the position of Ilorin as a citadel of Islamic learning
Prof. Hamzat said this on Tuesday at a media parley held at NUJ press centre, Ilorin in commemoration of the 60th year anniversary of the Arabic school.
The conference which was organized by the old students aimed to celebrate the achievements of the Arabic school so far.
Darul-Uloom in Isale-koto was established in 1963 by the then Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Zulkarnain Gambari Muhammed in collaboration with the Ulamaa and Imams in Ilorin.
Prof. Hamzat further said the school was established for the restoration of hope for the future of Ilorin Islamic tradition and culture, under the guidance of the multi-talented scholar and most prolific Arabic writer, Sheikh Adam Abdullah Al-ilory.
Students are expected to spend the first 4 years where all subjects are taught in Arabic, the subjects were; Arabic language and its branches, Islamic Studies and its branches, History, Mathematics, Geography.
At the end of the 4 years, students are expected to have the ability to speak, read and write in Arabic. This is the curriculum followed at Darul Uloom which has actually produced wonders that we are seeing today. The school that started with about 40 students in 1963 now has more than 3000 students population. The products of the school have now become Lecturers of Arabic and/or Islamic studies in many Nigerian universities and abroad, In addition to many Administrators, Justices, Lawyers and even Scientists with adequate knowledge of Arabic and Islamic studies.
He appealed to Kwara state government under the leadership of gov AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq to assist Darul Uloom by taking over the payment of teachers salaries.
He equally commended the govt support to Arabic education as he seek for more support for the overall development of Arabic education in the state.
The program of events for the celebrations goes as follows; 27th of October – Special Friday prayer at Ilorin central mosque. 28th of October – Award presentation under the chairmanship of His Excellency, the Governor of Kwara State. 29th of October – Special debate on the future of Arabic in Nigeria.
