The Malaysian Crown Prince, Tuanku Jamalullail, says no fewer than 84 Nigerians students are studying different courses in Malaysian institutions under the Islamic scholarship scheme.
Mr Jamalullail disclosed this on Saturday when he visited Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, as part of his official tour in Nigeria.
The ruler of the Regent of Perlis in Malaysia reiterated his desire to further strengthen trade relations between Malaysia and Nigeria in the interest of economic and education development.
Mr Jamalullail described the existing relation between the two countries as cordial, stressing that through cooperation and collaborations, the two countries would ensure more achievements and developments.
He emphasised that Malaysia is willing to share its expertise and technology to support the development of Sokoto state and Nigeria at large.
Responding, the Sultan of Sokoto Sa’ad Abubakar III appreciated the Prince for the visit and welcomed his proposal for closer cooperation with the Sultanate Council, Sokoto state government and Nigeria at large.
Mr Abubakar said the founders of the Sokoto Caliphate had worked immensely toward propagation of Islam across Africa, saying their literary works also speak volumes on transformations as well as socioeconomic, religious and scholarly activities.
He stressed the importance of education and urged for more scholarships to be made available to Nigerian students in Malaysia.
Mr Abubakar described the visit as a positive step towards strengthening ties between Malaysia and Nigeria, and promoting greater collaboration in various sectors for the benefit of both countries.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the crown prince and his entourage had an interaction with some Islamic scholars in Sokoto State.
At the sessions, Prof. Mukhtar Bunza of Usmanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto, UDUS, ,made a presentation on the Universal Relevance of Sokoto caliphate founded by Sheikh Usmanu bn Fodiyo.
Other scholars that made presentations included: Alkalin Malaman Sokoto, Ahmed Umar-Helele and Malam Zaruk Shehu Na Liman, among others.
On the other side, another Crown Prince and Mufti of Perlis, Muhammad Asri Zainul Abidin, made a presentation and solicited for continued interaction with Nigerian scholars.
He further commended the Sultan of Sokoto for his courage and style of leadership.
