Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, has called for the integration of 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 call when he received a delegation of Saudi Arabian businessmen and the leadership 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.
The governor expressed concern over what he described as the gradual neglect of Northern Nigeria’s rich Arabic educational heritage, noting that the region has maintained strong educational, religious and cultural ties with the Arab world.
He stressed the need to preserve and strengthen those connections while ensuring that graduates of Arabic education receive appropriate recognition within Nigeria’s education system.
Governor Mohammed also recalled that Bauchi State once had a thriving Arabic College in Alkaleri but lamented that the institution was abandoned by previous administrations.
He emphasised the need to revive such institutions to promote quality Arabic education and broaden educational opportunities for future generations.
Earlier, Dr Idris said the visit was aimed at introducing Saudi Arabian businessmen interested in investing in Bauchi State.
He said the investors were exploring opportunities for partnerships that would contribute to 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 engagement with Bauchi State students studying in Saudi Arabia.
Representatives of Nigerian students in Saudi universities expressed appreciation to Governor Mohammed for his support and encouragement.
They pledged to deploy the knowledge and experience acquired abroad towards the development of Bauchi and Nigeria after completing their studies.
