It was a convergence of researchers and academic scholars of Arabic and Islamic knowledge from different fields as the Alumni of Arabic Institute of Nigeria, Elekuro, Ibadan gave a glowing festschrift in honour of the life and times of the Founder and Proprietor of the Institute, Sheikh Murtadho Abdusalam.

The celebration conference was organised by Mercybridge for Social and Humanitarian Services in conjunction with Alumni of Arabic Institute of Nigeria, Ibadan and the Nigerian Centre for Arabic Research.

The conference featured presentation of 20 academic research papers on the outstanding contributions of the late Sheikh Abdusalam to the propagation of Islamic practices in its pristine form, his biography, his relationship with the alumni and the government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the role of his family in sustaining his legacies.

In a lead presentation, former Director and the oldest student, Arabic Institute of Nigeria, Ibadan, Sheikh Abdulwahab Bayo Ahmad recalled one of the teachings of Sheikh Abdusalam, popularly called “Baba Mahadu” on application of wisdom in making supplications to Allah, praying for sustained elevation of all benefactors after the demised of the revered tutor.

Sheikh Ahmad described his mentor as a man of many parts who had a noble birth but preferred a life of austere and devotion to scholarship at the expense of materialism.

“Baba Mahadu was an enigma, a conciliator, reformist, teacher and community leader who was exceptionally created”, Sheikh submitted.

In the same vein, the Wazir of Yorubaland and the Principal, Islahudeen Arabic School, Iwo, Osun State, Sheikh Yakub Abdul-Baaq Muhammed said the conference about life and times of Sheikh Abdusalam was to serve as lesson and to showcase the sacrifice for knowledge, perseverance and life of contentment as well as grace to desist from unlawful means of sustenance when such was prevalent in the society.

Sheikh Muhammad advised the young generation of Islamic clerics to take a cue from a life well spent in the cause of Allah and propagation of Islam for a better society.

In another session, Dr Abdurahman Toyese Adesokan confirmed that Sheikh Abdusalam was a foremost advocate of Prophetic teachings in Ibadan and its environs when the practice seemed new.

“Sheikh always encouraged his students to propagate the true doctrine of Islam without pecuniary gains; he advised them to have vocation aside Dawah and not extort people on the altar of religiosity”, Adesokan said.

Viewing the discourse from another perspective, the Chairman Organising Committee, Dr Muhammad-Lawal Musa Alongbija explained that Baba Mahadu was known for his versed knowledge of Islamic Jurisprudence, which is producing upright Islamic students annually.

“Our respected Sheikh was steadfast in faith, he taught students to seek livelihood from lawful sources and refrain from syncretism and unholy practices, ” Alongbija stated.

According to another alumnus, a lecturer in the Department of Islamic and Arabic Studies, University of Ibadan, Dr Abduljaleel Alagunfon maintained that the stances of Sheikh Abdusalam on controversial issues such sorcery, usury, burial ceremony, use of Hijab and mode of dressing.

He described the late scholar as an uncommon embodiment of knowledge and wisdom who always inspired students positively.

Another lecturer in the Department of Arabic and Islamic Studies, University of Ibadan, Dr Lere Ibrahim Muhammed noted that Sheikh Abdusalam was a considerate, humane and widely exposed scholar whose cordial and well maintained relationships with governments of Arabian nations open vistas of oversea opportunities for many alumni of the institute.

One of the sons of the founder of the institute, Dr Ibrohim Adewale Abdusalam showered encomium on his father for his precision in the use of Arabic language, elocution and numerous contributions to academic excellence.

The Arabic Institute of Nigeria also known as Mahadul Arobi An-Naijiri was founded in 1958, while the Founder and Proprietor, late Sheikh Murtadho Abdusalam was born in 1921 and transited to the higher realm in 2008.