Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed has called for the integration of Arabic education into Nigeria’s educational curriculum, saying graduates who obtain qualifications from Arabic-speaking countries should enjoy equal recognition and opportunities within the country’s education system.
The governor made the call while receiving a delegation of Saudi Arabian businessmen and leaders of Nigerian students studying in Saudi universities at the Government House in Bauchi. The delegation was led by the Director of the Centre for Sunnah Studies in Africa, Dr. Shuaibu Abubakar Idris, during a visit aimed at exploring investment opportunities and strengthening educational ties.
Mohammed expressed concern over what he described as the gradual neglect of Northern Nigeria’s long-standing Arabic educational heritage, noting that the region has maintained strong educational, religious and cultural links with the Arab world over the years.
He said preserving and strengthening those ties would help ensure that graduates of Arabic education receive appropriate recognition within Nigeria’s educational framework.
The governor also recalled that Bauchi State previously operated a flourishing Arabic College in Alkaleri but said the institution was abandoned by successive administrations.
He stressed the need to revive similar institutions to promote quality Arabic education and expand educational opportunities for future generations.
Earlier, Idris said the delegation’s visit was to introduce Saudi Arabian businessmen interested in investing in Bauchi State.
According to him, the investors are exploring partnership opportunities that could support the state’s economic growth and development. He also briefed the governor on the activities of the Centre for Sunnah Studies in Africa and its engagement with Bauchi State students studying in Saudi Arabia.
Representatives of Nigerian students studying in Saudi universities thanked Governor Mohammed for his support and encouragement and pledged to apply the knowledge and experience acquired abroad to the development of Bauchi State and Nigeria.
Ademide Adebayo
