Alaro Clarifies Remarks on Islamic Studies Textbooks, Withdraws ‘90%’ Claim

Professor AbdulRazzaq A. Alaro has clarified his recent comments on Islamic Studies textbooks used in Nigerian schools and universities, following public reactions to a brief remark he made during a lecture.

In a statement issued on Thursday, January 8, 2026, Prof. Alaro said he was not surprised that the “less-than-five-minute remark” generated mixed reactions, noting that he had received both positive and negative feedback in the days that followed.

He explained that the responses have further encouraged him and his team to continue their ongoing review of Islamic Studies textbooks. “With this development, my team and I are more than encouraged to continue this project of reviewing those textbooks, after which we shall make our findings public, in shaa Allah,” he said.

According to him, the primary motivation behind the exercise is a sense of responsibility to ensure accuracy in religious education. “Our strongest motivation is that it is our collective duty to ensure that only authentic information about Islam is disseminated in our schools and universities,” Prof. Alaro stated.

The professor also offered an apology to anyone who felt offended by his remark, particularly senior academics and colleagues. “I offer my sincere apologies if anybody feels offended, especially my revered teachers, elders and colleagues from various schools and universities,” he said.

He stressed that his comments were not intended to undermine the work of Islamic Studies scholars. “I never intended, and shall never intend, to malign you or belittle your sterling efforts and achievements,” he added.

Addressing some interpretations of his remarks, Prof. Alaro said it was incorrect to suggest that he was discrediting Islamic Studies lecturers and students. He noted that his comments also referenced his own field.

“Some writers even insinuated that the remark was aimed at discrediting Islamic studies’ lecturers and students, forgetting or pretending to forget that I also categorically mentioned my own field (Islamic Law) in that short clip,” he said.

He further observed that some of the reactions appeared to be based on incomplete information. “It is also clear from the reactions I have seen so far that some did not even listen to the clip at all,” he noted.

Prof. Alaro also acknowledged engagements with senior academics over the issue, thanking “eminent Professors and other colleagues” who contacted him for clarification. He disclosed that he had reconsidered a specific claim made in the remark. “I agree with them that the ‘more than 90 per cent’ assertion I made in that remark is—at this stage—premature, and is hereby withdrawn,” he said.

Concluding his statement, Prof. Alaro said he would not make further comments on the issue for now, adding that the clarification would be his only response at this stage.