The Department of Islam and Development Studies, Faculty of Arts, Nasarawa State University, Keffi (NSUK), held its 8th International Conference with the theme “Islam, Internally Displaced Persons, and Sustainable Development.”
The conference, which took place at the S.B. Muhammad Auditorium, School of Postgraduate Studies (SPGS), brought together renowned Islamic scholars, academics, political figures, and traditional leaders to deliberate on critical global challenges affecting peace and sustainable development.
In her remarks, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Sa’adatu Hassan Liman, represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics), Professor Muhammad Maikano Ari, commended the Faculty of Arts, particularly the Department of Islam and Development Studies for its invaluable contributions to the intellectual and institutional growth of the University.
Professor Ari described the conference theme as both timely and crucial in addressing global issues, informing policy-making, and fostering sustainable development. He further emphasized the need for stronger collaboration among academic institutions, government agencies, and international organizations to generate societal impact, provide lasting solutions to complex social and environmental challenges, and promote global peace and unity.
Delivering his opening remarks, the Chairman of the occasion, Honourable Abdulmumin Muhammed Ari, represented by Associate Professor Salisu Muhammad Raj, expressed gratitude to the local organizing committee and participants for their dedication and commitment to the success of the event. He underscored the significance of the theme of the conference in tackling urgent issues such as natural disasters, political instability, economic hardship, and insecurity.
Professor Raj encouraged participants to engage in robust deliberations aimed at finding sustainable solutions for supporting internally displaced persons and advancing global peace and development.
In his keynote address, Aliyu Ahmed Tijjani, the Honourable Federal Commissioner of the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI), represented by Ustaz Bello Muhammad Bello, discussed the Islamic perspective on peacebuilding and sustainable development. He noted that a significant proportion of the world’s displaced persons come from Muslim-majority countries and called for deeper collaboration between international agencies and Islamic institutions in addressing insecurity and displacement.
Also speaking, Professor Ibrahim Haruna Hassan emphasized that sustainable development should move beyond theoretical discussions to practical commitments in addressing the needs of future generations, including infrastructure, cultural preservation, good governance, morality, and ethical values. Drawing from Islamic history and the concept of Hijrah (migration), he identified key Islamic virtues such as justice, sincerity, liberty, gratitude, and rehabilitation as essential tools for addressing internal displacement.
In their goodwill messages, His Royal Highness, Dr. Shehu Chindo Yamusa III CON, the Emir of Keffi and Chancellor of the University, represented by the Tafidan Keffi, Alhaji Ishaq Muhammad; the Dean of the Faculty of Arts, Professor A. A. Binchi; and the Chief Imam of the National Defence College, Abuja, Wing Commander N. A. Auwal, all commended the department for its scholarly contributions to the advancement of Islamic knowledge and the university’s academic excellence. They reiterated the significance of the theme of the conference and urged for collective national action to promote peace, security, and sustainable development.
The conference concluded with an interactive session, where panelists engaged in lively discussions, followed by a group photograph to commemorate the event.
