From Cyriacus Nnaji, Lagos
Professor Maruf Suraqat Animashaun of the Department of Foreign Languages, Faculty of Arts, Lagos State University, Ojo, has called on the Lagos State Government and other stakeholders to increase investment in language education, particularly Arabic, and to introduce robust scholarship and fellowship schemes for students and academics.
Professor Animashaun made the call on Tuesday while delivering LASU’s 128th Inaugural Lecture at the Buba Marwa Auditorium, LASU Main Campus, Ojo. The lecture was titled: “Gleanings of Curiosities from the Harvest-Fields of Arabic Literary Theory: The Journey, The Agony and The Milestone.”
Speaking to an audience of scholars, students, and university officials, the former Coordinator of the Arabic Sandwich Degree Programme and Arabic Part-Time Degree Programme said Arabic should be recognized as a strategic global language.
“The Lagos State Government should recognize Arabic as a strategic global language and provide increased funding for its teaching, research, and development across tertiary institutions within the State,” he stated.
Professor Animashaun outlined several areas requiring urgent government attention. On infrastructure, he urged support for the establishment of modern language resource centres, digital libraries, research laboratories, and instructional facilities dedicated to Arabic Studies.
He also advocated for the introduction of scholarships for undergraduate and postgraduate students of Arabic, and fellowships to support advanced research and professional development for academic staff.
To boost capacity, the professor called for international exposure through exchange programmes, study visits, and academic partnerships with institutions in Arabic-speaking countries. “This will enhance language proficiency, research capacity, and cultural exchange,” he said.
On employment, he recommended that qualified graduates of Arabic Studies be considered for roles in education, diplomacy, public administration, tourism, security services, translation, media, international business, and cultural affairs. “This will demonstrate the practical value of the discipline,” he added.
The don further urged government to fund projects aimed at identifying, preserving, digitizing, translating, and publishing Arabic manuscripts and historical documents that contribute to the intellectual and cultural heritage of Lagos State and Nigeria.
He also encouraged Public-Private Partnerships, saying government should collaborate with private organizations, philanthropic foundations, and international development agencies to mobilize resources for the sustainable development of Arabic education and research.
Reflecting on his academic journey, Professor Animashaun said his 28 years at Lagos State University have been marked by deep commitment to scholarship and service.
“Over the years, I have had the privilege of contributing to the life of this great institution through various roles across academic, administrative, and socio-political dimensions,” he said.
The 128th Inaugural Lecture adds to LASU’s tradition of using the platform to advance critical conversations on education, culture, and national development.
