The Federal University Dutsin-Ma (FUDMA), has hosted a three-day international academic conference on the literary works of renowned Hausa poet, Aminu Ladan Abubakar (ALA), with prominent traditional rulers, scholars and literary enthusiasts in attendance.
The conference, organised by the University’s Centre for Hausa Language, History, Monuments and Digital Documentation in collaboration with the Department of Hausa, was held under the theme, “Poetic Theory and Principles of Literary Competition in the Works of Aminu Ladan Abubakar (ALA).”
Among the prominent traditional rulers who attended the opening ceremony were the Emir of Katsina, Alhaji Abdulmumini Kabir Usman; the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero; the Emir of Daura, Alhaji Faruk Umar; the Emir of Lafia, Justice Sidi Muhammad Bage; and the Emir of Katsinan Maradi in the Republic of Niger, Alhaji Ahmed Ali Zaki.
The three-day conference brought together scholars, researchers, students and literary enthusiasts from Nigeria and beyond to examine ALA’s extensive literary contributions, covering written and oral poetry and novels through scholarly discussions and critical analysis.
Speaking on behalf of the traditional rulers, the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero, described the occasion as significant not only for ALA but also for the Hausa language and its literary heritage.
He said the academic examination of ALA’s works was a valuable initiative, commending the University for promoting the Hausa language through scholarly engagement.
The Emir observed that the poet’s works had contributed to educating and entertaining audiences, while encouraging discussions and stimulating intellectual curiosity.
He described ALA as an accomplished poet whose literary achievements deserved recognition and sustained academic attention.
In his welcome address, the Vice-Chancellor of FUDMA, Professor Mohammed Khalid Othman, described ALA as a renowned Hausa poet whose works had made significant contributions to educating, entertaining and sensitising audiences.
He noted that the Hausa language, spoken by more than 150 million people globally, remained an important vehicle for cultural expression, knowledge and communication.
Professor Othman explained that the conference was particularly significant because it represented an opportunity to critically examine the works of a living poet while he was also available to engage with scholars and discuss their interpretations.
He said the University was proud to associate with ALA and would continue to support initiatives that promote his literary contributions.
The Vice-Chancellor identified some of the conference’s objectives as critically examining ALA’s literary works, providing a platform for scholarly engagement on Hausa literature and culture, and celebrating the rich heritage of Hausa literary expression.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the occasion, Ambassador Ahmad Rufai Abubakar, described ALA as a custodian of knowledge whose poetic presentations preserved important messages and historical experiences for present and future generations.
He said the poet had established a distinctive place in the literary world, adding that his works deserved continuous critical examination, particularly for their contributions to Hausa literature and the documentation of history through songs and poetry.
Ambassador Abubakar commended FUDMA for organising the conference, noting that it would help younger generations learn from history and avoid repeating past mistakes.
<span;>Also speaking, the Wazirin Katsina, Alhaji Ibrahim Ida, commended the University for creating an academic platform for discussing and advancing Hausa literature, culture and traditions.
He described ALA as a poet who gives voice to the voiceless through his works and promotes awareness of leadership, development and societal issues.
The Chairman of the FUDMA Governing Council, Alhaji Ali Abubakar Jatau, assured that the University would continue to promote scholarly activities and initiatives that strengthen language, culture and intellectual development.
The conference also featured the presentation of prizes and awards, bringing together academic and traditional institutions in recognition of the contributions of literary scholarship to the preservation and development of Hausa cultural heritage.
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