The Academic Society of Arabic Language and Literature in Nigeria (ASALLIN) has honoured a professor of Arabic Linguistics at the University of Abuja, Umaru Ndagi, for his outstanding contributions to Arabic literature and knowledge.

The event was the high point of the 19th International Conference of ASSALIN held at the University of Ilorin, tagged, “Towards Modernizing Arabic Curricula and the Use of Modern Teachings Aides.”

Ndagi is also a member of the editorial board of Daily Trust Newspapers.

Also honoured during the programme was Sheikh Abdussalam Muhammad Sani Akoshile.

The event was declared open by the Vice Chancellor of University of Ilorin, Prof. Wahab Egbewole.

Dignitaries include the Vice Chancellor of Kwara State University, Prof Shaykh-Lukman Jimoh, who chaired the occasion and Registrar, National Board for Arabic and Islamic Studies (NBAIS), Prof. Imam Yahusa Sulaiman, who was represented by Dr Hashim.

Others are the Chief Imam of Ilọrin, Sheikh Muhammad Bashir Solih; Grand Ajanasi of Ilọrin, Mujitaba Yusuf Bature.

Speaking with Daily Trust, the honouree, Prof Ndagi, described the recognition as an inspiration and call for further service.

“I never knew that my contribution to knowledge was worth appreciating until today. I beg Almighty Allah to give me strength to do more for the remaining part of my life,” he said.

He said: “Though we are now being appreciated, I feel the generations of our fathers and forefathers deserved to be appreciated better because their contributions to knowledge was done under difficult conditions.