Welcome to Centre for research and documentation in trans-saharan studies
The Centre for Research and Documentation in Trans-Saharan Studies is a research and documentation outfit established in the University of Maiduguri, in 1986.
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CRDTSS
Provide support to teaching and research in the related academic departments of the University in particular and promote learning and scholarship in general,
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Centre for research and documentation in trans-saharan studies
Recover the past history of peoples, cultures and civilisations of the Trans-Saharan area
Read MoreCentre for Research and Documentation in Trans-Saharan Studies
The Centre has also attracted a significant number of national and international scholars and researchers from different countries across different continents, including America, Europe, Asia and Africa, who contributed in boosting research undertakings and scholarship within the Centre and the University at large.
About usAbout Us
Centre for Research and Documentation in Trans-Saharan Studies
About CRDTSS
The Centre for Research and Documentation in Trans-Saharan Studies is a research and documentation outfit established in the University of Maiduguri, in 1986. It was established as the first multi-disciplinary centre dealing with research and documentation of all aspects of peoples, societies, cultures, and civilisations of the Central and Western Bilad al-Sudan, the Central Saharan region, the Nile valley and North Africa (Maghrib). It is located in the University of Maiduguri, Maiduguri the capital city of Borno State, Nigeria, an area where five major cultures of the world have come into contact for centuries; the indigenous Sudanese, the Islamic and Middle Eastern, the Maghribian and Western cultures, all coming together to form a unique society. For the purpose of knowing the Centre and its activities, Trans-Sahara is defined to include Egypt, North Africa (Maghrib),Western and Central Bilad al-Sudan, the Chad and Nile Basins, the Central African Region and the countries of Ethiopia and Somalia.
Units in the Centre
Publications
Research Labs
Staff
Objectives of the Centre
The objectives of the Centre, being a constituent body of the University of Maiduguri, should naturally be the furtherance of the objectives of the University itself and a translation into action of the powers of the University to realise those objectives. The Centre’s objectives are therefore to:
a) provide support to teaching and research in the related academic departments of the University in particular and promote learning and scholarship in general,
b) recover the past history of peoples, cultures and civilisations of the Trans-Saharan area,
c) determine the effect of contribution of such cultures and civilisations on the inhabitants of the area,
d) cause publicity to such recovery and findings for the advancement of learning.
Mandate and Functions of the Centre
In the light of the foregoing objectives, the mandate and functions of the Centre are therefore to:
a) accept or acquire from any person or group or authority, any unpublished work which conforms to the standard and requirements of the Centre,
b) establish and maintain a comprehensive depository for the preservation of manuscripts in all fields of learning to the area defined as Trans-Sahara,
c) conduct, direct, and promote documentation of and research into such manuscripts,
d) disseminate information through publication or otherwise of the results of the and findings of such documentation and research,
Linkages, Partnerships and Collaborations
Having survived for more than three decades from its establishment, the Centre has left indelible marks in advancing the cause of knowledge, learning and scholarship. It has indeed made tremendous achievements in the areas of research, documentation, publication, hosting series of workshops, seminars, and conferences, and attracting national and international scholars and researchers. This is largely attributable to its collaborations, partnerships, and linkages with several local and international research institutions and organisations. It is on record that the MOUs signed between the University of Maiduguri and the University of Frankfurt in 1988 and the University of Bayreuth in 2000 has resulted in the accomplishment of successful joint research projects and scholar exchange programmes between the Centre and the German institutions.
Of recent the Centre’s effort in reaching out to the Prince Claus Fund, in the Netherlands, and the Whiting Foundation in New York, USA, has also resulted in the establishment of the Manuscript Conservation Laboratory in the Centre in 2019. Moreover a working relationship was recently established between the Centre and the Conciliation Resources, a UK- based organisation which also led to organising a collaborative One-Day research seminar on ‘Cross- Border Pastoralism and Farmer –Herder Relations in Borno State’, between the Centre and the Organisation.
Locally the Centre is also linked to several research centres and institutes and collaborative efforts are going on between the Centre and these centres and organisations. A good working relationship exists for instance between the Centre and the following research centres and organisations:
i. Arewa House Centre for Documentation and Historical Research, Kaduna,
ii. Centre for Research in Qur’anic Studies, Yobe State University,
iii. Aminu Kano Centre for Democratic Research, BUK, Mumbayya House,
iv. Centre for Democratic Development and Training, ABU Zaria,
v. Centre for Kanuri Ajami and Qur’anic Studies, Borno State University, and
vi. Al-Nahdah International Islamic Organisation, a Maiduguri-based organisation.
vii. National Commission for Almajiri and Out of School Children Education, Abuja.
viii. Borno State Arabic and Sangaya Education Board
ix. Sheikh Idrisa Kadi Research Centre, Maiduguri
Current Management of the Centre
Management of the Centre
Professor Muhammad Mai Abubakar
Director
Professor Yakubu Yunusa Musa
Deputy Director
Mrs. Halima Malgwi
Administrative SecretaryCentre for Research and Documentation in Trans-Saharan Studies Gallery
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Frequently Asked Questions
CRDTSS (FAQ)
What is the Centre for Research and Documentation in Trans-Saharan Studies (CRDTSS)?
CRDTSS is a research and documentation centre established in 1986 at the University of Maiduguri. It focuses on the study of peoples, societies, cultures, and civilizations in the Trans-Saharan region, including North Africa, the Nile Valley, and Central and Western Bilad al-Sudan.
What are the main objectives of the Centre?
The Centre aims to:
1. Support teaching and research in related academic fields.
2. Document and preserve historical manuscripts.
3. Study and publicize Trans-Saharan cultures and civilizations.
4. Organize academic conferences, seminars, and workshops.
What functions does the Centre perform?
CRDTSS carries out various activities, including:
1. Collecting and preserving unpublished manuscripts.
2. Conducting research and documentation on Trans-Saharan history.
3. Publishing research findings in academic journals.
4. Organizing academic and professional training programs.
5. Collaborating with national and international institutions.
What are the different units within the Centre?
CRDTSS comprises the following units:
1. Library and ICT Unit – Manages research materials and digital resources.
2. Research and Publication Unit – Oversees research projects and academic publications.
3. Manuscript Documentation and Conservation Unit – Focuses on preserving historical documents.
4. Linkages and Collaborations Unit – Develops partnerships with institutions and researchers.
Who manages the Centre?
The Centre is currently led by:
1. Director: Professor Muhammad Mai Abubakar
2. Deputy Director: Professor Yakubu Yunusa Musa
3. Administrative Secretary: Mrs. Halima Malgw
What kind of publications does the Centre produce?
The Centre publishes:
1. Al-Mahram International Journal of Trans-Saharan Studies – A bi-annual bilingual journal in English and Arabic.
2. Al-Hidayah Journal of Arabic and Islamic Studies – Published in collaboration with Al-Nahdah International Islamic Organisation.
3. Borno, Sahara, and Sudan Series – Focuses on Ph.D. theses related to Trans-Saharan studies.
4. The Borno Museum Society Newsletter – Features scholarly articles on historical and cultural topics.
Contact
University of Maiduguri, P.M.B. 1069, Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria
Address
University of Maiduguri, P.M.B. 1069, Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria
Call Us
+1 5589 55488 55
Email Us
transaharan@unimaid.edu.ng | mabubakarm66@unimaid.edu.ng