Why I am passionate about Abubakar Imam – Prof. Malumfashi

This is Abubakar Imam’s year. Your idol or should I say your mentor, what plans do you have to immortalize this literary icon? This is the reason why this year is very important to me and all those who share his ideals. It is the centenary of his birth and 30 years since his death […]

This is Abubakar Imam’s year. Your idol or should I say your mentor, what plans do you have to immortalize this literary icon?

This is the reason why this year is very important to me and all those who share his ideals. It is the centenary of his birth and 30 years since his death that an institute named after him, the Abubakar Imam Institute of African Cultural Studies is conceived to be a nucleus of an international research organisation that will dwell on all aspects of African socio-cultural studies, most especially as it affects literature, linguistics, culture, book printing and publishing.

The intention is to have in place an international research outfit to be headed by scholars of international repute, engaging in world class research, providing research funding, publishing of research works of outstanding values, as well as creating an enabling environment for nurturing the creative muse of up-coming writers in indigenous African languages, particularly in Nigeria.

It is also envisioned that the Institute will serve as a catalyst in the organization of international seminars, conferences, workshops, and retreats for writers and linguists, as well as a hub for the printing and publishing of materials that are relevant to the visions of the organisation; literary and cultural in nature.

What is the nature of the Institute and what do we expect from it?

When fully operational, the Abubakar Imam Institute of African Studies is expected to be engaged in a number of activities but at the same time with a focused and centralized vision of re-engaging the literary and cultural renaissance of African civilization. It will partner with most Northern state governments in re-introducing the Northern Nigeria Literature Bureau, which shall be the pivot in revitalizing the North’s potentials and that of its people in indigenous literary development. It will also try to harness, in partnership with some select Universities in the North, the study of some select indigenous languages so as to further develop them, which will at the same time protect them from extinction. In that sprit, the Institute will have an organ that will be in charge of other centres to be established or refocused. Centre for Hausa, Tiv, Fulfulde, Bajju, Nupe and Kanuri studies and such others in the future as funding will permit. It will conduct and publish research works on every aspect of Nigeria’s literature and culture and such other issues that border on socio-cultural aspects that have a link with literature and culture in Northern Nigeria; like religion, politics and economy.

It would appear that Abubakar Imam, who we assume we know, is not only a regional figure but an international subject?

Of course! Abubakar Imam is not a local champion as many are wont to say. He is an accomplished international writer, journalist and culturalist. His works are now found in German, Arabic, Danish, Russian, Polish, and of course English. That is why the Centre we are setting up will be an avenue for International conferences and seminars, where scholars of international repute will converge to dissect any chosen topic for deliberation at a given period. There will also be a pool of resources at the Institute where up-coming and mid career researchers/writers will be able to access funding for their works within and outside the country. It is envisaged that the Institute will also establish internationally reputable journals that will be an avenue for the dissemination of research works by scholars throughout the world. The Writers Garden within the Institute will serve as a stop-over for writers from around the globe. It will give room for writers and researchers to unwind at the same time find solace for their craft, to think, analyze, create, discuss, and write, whenever the muse with them.

It seems the Institute is more geared towards writing and cultural transformation, what about the publishing angle? We think that is where Abubakar Imam was made famous. He was published that is why he is still fondly remembered?

You are right. The Institute will be a publishing centre by itself; it will then also seek for as well as accept from authors/writers manuscripts that it can print and publish and market within and outside its premises. Literary materials, books of instruction in schools, research efforts in the universities and other tertiary institutions and the general public will find a place of abode at the Institute.

The concept is very good and sound, but to get to the zenith is a daunting task, how do you expect to achieve this?

That is a very good question. Ideas are what rule the world. This idea has been in the pipeline for nearly 5 years. It would, God willing, come to fruition. Already contacts are being made. Other people, very influential in the country and some states from the North who identify with the idea have made pledges and commitments. Very soon we shall come out smoking and by the end of the year, the Institute will be on its feet. And mark you, even when the Institute is on ground, it will seek to identify collaborating partners within and outside the country so as to make its work easier. It will also identify sponsors for most of its programmes and linkages so as to open a line for financial assistance and support. It will facilitate capacity building for literary personages so as to uplift the quality of literary materials being churned out year in, year out, so that they can compete favourably with their counterparts in other parts of the world. The Institute will also provide library, conference and bookshop facilities for researchers as well as the general public.

You are always so passionate about Abubakar Imam, what is the reason for this?

Those who know me or those who happen to come into contact with me will tell you I am always passionate about things I revere. I am obsessive with people of strong character. I am fanatical to an extent with the achievements of Abubakar Imam not just because I did my PhD on his works, but because the works are an inimitable source of societal transformation. For me, this project is like payback. With this Institute in place, one is of the view that Abubakar Imam’s contribution to the development of Northern Nigeria, the Nigerian nation and the African continent at large would have been encapsulated, as we mourn his death 30 years after and say hurray to an icon of our time 100 years after his birth.