Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, has called on the Federal Government to integrate Arabic education into Nigeria’s educational curriculum to ensure equal recognition and opportunities for graduates who obtained their qualifications from Arabic-speaking countries.
Governor Mohammed made the appeal while receiving a delegation of Saudi Arabian businessmen and leaders of Nigerian students studying in Saudi universities at the Government House, Bauchi.
The delegation was led by the Director of the Centre for Sunnah Studies in Africa, Dr Shuaibu Abubakar Idris.
The governor expressed concern over what he described as the gradual decline of Northern Nigeria’s rich Arabic educational heritage, noting that the region has long maintained strong educational, religious and cultural ties with the Arab world.
He stressed the need to preserve and strengthen those ties while ensuring that graduates of Arabic education receive proper recognition within Nigeria’s education system.
Mohammed also recalled that Bauchi State once had a flourishing Arabic College in Alkaleri but lamented that the institution was abandoned by previous administrations.
He called for the revival of such institutions to promote quality Arabic education and expand educational opportunities for future generations.
Earlier, Dr Idris said the visit was aimed at introducing Saudi Arabian businessmen interested in investing in Bauchi State.
According to him, the investors are exploring partnership opportunities that would support the state’s economic growth and development.
Dr Idris also briefed the governor on the activities of the Centre for Sunnah Studies in Africa and its support for Bauchi State students studying in Saudi Arabia.
Representatives of the Nigerian students in Saudi universities thanked Governor Mohammed for his continued support and encouragement.
They pledged to apply the knowledge and experience gained during their studies to contribute to the development of Bauchi State and Nigeria upon their return.
