Nigeria has highlighted the legacy of the Sokoto Caliphate in shaping Islamic civilisation at a global conference in South Africa.
The Sokoto State Commissioner for Higher Education, Professor Isa Maishanu, represented both the state and Nigeria at the 4th International Conference on Islamic Civilisation in Southern Africa, held in Cape Town from September 12 to 14.
The gathering, organised by Awqaf South Africa, the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), and its research centre IRCICA, coincided with global commemorations of the 1,500th birth anniversary of Prophet Muhammad (SAW).
Professor Maishanu presented two academic papers. One explored how the Prophet’s teachings inspired 19th-century Sokoto Caliphate writings on science and medicine, covering hygiene, nutrition, women’s health and epidemiology. The second examined how the Caliphate’s governance, education and literary traditions drew on the Prophet’s example, contributing to Islamic scholarship and justice in West Africa.
He said the conference underlined the importance of dialogue on Islamic education, cultural identity and sustainable development.
The event brought together scholars, policymakers and cultural leaders from across Africa and beyond to examine the enduring impact of Islamic civilisation on education and humanitarian development.
