The Muslim Lecturers Association in Nigeria (MLA) has called for a combination of scientific innovation, knowledge and human values to address Africa’s development challenges, ahead of its third National Research Conference scheduled to hold from October 26 to 29 at Fountain University, Osogbo, Osun State.
The association’s president, Professor Abdulwasiu Ajagbe, said conventional academic theories alone were no longer sufficient to tackle the continent’s complex problems, stressing the need for research and innovation that would inform policies capable of improving people’s lives.
In a statement ahead of the conference, Ajagbe said Africa needed approaches that combined modern scientific advances with deeply rooted human values to promote inclusive and sustainable development.
“Africa is at a point where regular academic theories are no longer enough to solve our problems,” he said, adding that the continent needed policies that would leave no one behind.
The four-day conference, organised in collaboration with Fountain University, is themed “Bridging Knowledge, Innovation, and Human Values for Inclusive and Sustainable Development in Africa.”
According to Ajagbe, the gathering will bring together Muslim academics, researchers, policymakers and community leaders to exchange ideas and develop solutions tailored to Africa’s development needs.
The conference will feature Professor Rasheed Oyewole Olaniyi of the Department of History at the University of Ibadan as its keynote speaker.
Other lead paper presenters include Professor Amin Oideraa Igwegbe, a former director of the National Space Research and Development Agency, and Professor Umar Alhaji Pate, immediate past vice-chancellor of the Federal University, Kashere, Gombe State.
Emeritus Professor Ishaq Oloyede, former registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, will chair the conference, while Alhaji Ma’aruf Arowosaye, chairman of the Council of Elders at NAFSAT National Headquarters, will serve as co-chairman.
Traditional rulers and Muslim community leaders are also expected to attend, including the Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Olaonipekun Oyetunji; the Aragbiji of Iragbiji, Oba Abdulrasheed Ayotunde Olabomi; and the Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdul Rasheed Adewale Akanbi.
Other expected guests include the Aare Musulumi of Osogboland, Alhaji Adekunle Abdulganiyu, and the Asiwaju Musulumi of Yorubaland, Edo and Delta, Alhaji Khamis Olatunde Badmus