To overcome the human capital deficit in the industry, Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, will offer new undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in Islamic Economics, Banking, and Finance.
This was revealed by ABU Business School Professor Muhammad-Nasir Maiturare during a workshop organized by the school in partnership with the International Institute of Islamic Thought (IIIT) on Thursday in Zaria.
The two-day workshop has “ Integration of society for mutual benefits through Islamic finance tools” as its theme.
Mr Maiturare, who was the chairman of the occasion, said the workshop came at a time when the university was reviewing its curriculum, adding that this would enhance the economy.
“If you say Masters in Islamic Finance, there will be several versions; some will specialize in Islamic Insurance (Takaful), while others would specialize in Islamic Banking or Islamic Capital (Sukuk).
“As time passes, additional versions of Islamic Economics, Banking, and Finance will be implemented,” he stated.
The programs will begin in one or two years, according to Mr Maiturare, because course modules for the various programs have already been prepared.
Dr. Ismail Idris, Head of Department of Banking and Finance, concurred, stating that the institution has already begun several diploma-level courses in Islamic finance.
Mr Idris said in the short run, the university would make provision for elective courses in Islamic Banking, Economics and Finance.
“This would enable our students to have a bachelor’s degree in Banking and Finance with specialisation in Islamic Finance,’’ he said.
Mr Idris however, said the university would soon start full-fledged undergraduate courses in Islamic Finance.
He said the workshop was aimed at addressing the issues around Islamic Economics, Banking and Finance which were not properly addressed under the conventional Economics, Banking and Finance systems.
Mr Idris added that the workshop was also aimed at enlightening people on the products of Islamic Economics, Banking and Finance which were compliant to Islamic laws.
“By doing so, more people who were sceptical about conventional banking and finance could key into these products of Islamic banking and finance with a view to propelling the economy,’’ he said.
In his remarks, Dr Aliyu Tanko, the Coordinator of IIIT, said the organisation was supporting the university to expose students to other aspects of Islamic banking and finance.