Northwest University, Kano, brought together over 500 scholars, academics, policymakers, and students for its 3rd International Conference, organized by the Department of Islamic Studies in collaboration with the International Institute of Islamic Thought (IIIT), Nigeria Office.
The two-day event, held from January 20 to 21, 2026, at the Professor Hafiz Abubakar Auditorium, City Campus, focused on “Islam and the Dynamics of Nationhood: Navigating the Opportunities and Challenges of Human Rights and Peaceful Coexistence.”
Professor Umar Labdo, Chairman of the Local Organizing Committee, praised the Department and Faculty of Humanities for their efforts, describing them as “instrumental to the success of the conference.”
In a communiqué signed by Professor Labdo, Dr. Nura Abubakar Gwadabe, Head of the Department of Islamic Studies, and Ismail Hashim Abubakar, Chairman of the Communiqué, he said, “We are profoundly grateful for the dedication and commitment of all participants, and for the invaluable partnership of IIIT in advancing knowledge and scholarship.”
The Vice-Chancellor of Northwest University, Kano, Professor Amina Salihi Bayero, represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor Academic, Professor Aisha Garba Habib, commended the initiative, stressing its importance in promoting unity and social cohesion in Nigeria. She noted, “This conference is timely and full of prospects for fostering unity within Nigeria’s pluralistic society.”
Chairing the conference, Professor Hafiz Abubakar, Pro-Chancellor of the university, lauded the Vice-Chancellor, the Department, and IIIT for their commitment to scholarship.
He emphasized the relevance of the conference theme, saying, “The teachings of Islam, characterized by justice, selflessness, and accountability, are vital in addressing issues such as religious and ethnic diversity in Nigeria. The recent false allegations of Christian genocide further highlight the importance of this forum.”
In the keynote address, Ambassador Dr. Safiya Ahmad Nuhu, Director of the Centre for Gender Studies at Bayero University, Kano, urged Nigerian Muslims to navigate the changing global order post-COVID-19 and assert their place in the evolving world. She encouraged scholars to articulate Islam’s role in global development.
International presenter Dr. Ovamir Anjum of the Ummatics Institute, USA, introduced the concept of “thinking Ummatically and acting locally,” emphasizing loyalty to national identity while fostering solidarity with the global Ummah.
He said, “Islam recognizes diversity as a blessing and lays down mechanisms to protect the rights of all communities, promoting unity without compromising individuality.”
Professor Mukhtar Umar Bunza, Vice-Chancellor of Northwest University, Sokoto, dismissed claims of ethnic bias in Hausa-Fulani history as “baseless and mischievous,” highlighting Islam’s role in uniting diverse groups. He added, “The Madina Charter embodies the values of humanity, pluralism, and peaceful coexistence, serving as a model to eradicate discrimination and social injustice.”
The conference featured over 50 paper presentations, breakout sessions, and plenary discussions on national security, peacebuilding, human rights, and Islamic values in modern society.
Recommendations included promoting Prophetic teachings on peaceful coexistence, empowering Muslim women, reforming marriage systems, and integrating Islamic moral values into contemporary Hausa literature.
Dr. Nura Abubakar Gwadabe expressed gratitude to participants and collaborators, urging scholars to continue promoting unity, peace, and social cohesion. He said, “We wish everyone a safe return and urge scholars to continue promoting unity, peace, and social cohesion through knowledge and dialogue.”
The conference concluded at the Farouk ‘Yanganau’ Conference Hall, City Campus, with the communiqué adopted through a motion by Professor Abdulkadir Ismail, seconded by Usain Rabe Shehu, and closing prayers led by Mallama Maimuna Yahaya Kansila.
