Bauchi Governor, Bala Mohammed, Seeks Integration of Arabic Education Into Nigeria’s School System

Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, has called for the integration of Arabic education into Nigeria’s mainstream education system, saying graduates of Arabic-speaking universities deserve the same recognition and opportunities as their counterparts from other higher institutions.

The governor made the appeal while receiving a delegation of Nigerian students studying at universities in Saudi Arabia during a courtesy visit to the Government House in Bauchi.

The delegation was led by the Director of the Centre for Sunnah Studies in Africa, Dr Shuaibu Idris, who said the visit was to appreciate Governor Mohammed’s continued investment in education and to brief him on the Centre’s activities, particularly its support for students from Bauchi State pursuing higher education in Saudi Arabia.

Addressing the delegation, Governor Mohammed expressed concern over what he described as the gradual decline of Northern Nigeria’s rich tradition of Arabic education, noting that the region has maintained deep educational, religious and cultural ties with the Arab world for generations.

He argued that formally integrating Arabic education into Nigeria’s educational framework would not only provide graduates of Arabic-speaking institutions with equal opportunities but also enrich the country’s educational landscape.

According to the governor, recognising Arabic qualifications on the same footing as other academic credentials would promote inclusivity, widen access to opportunities and preserve an important aspect of Nigeria’s educational heritage.

Mohammed also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to revitalising the abandoned Arabic College in Alkaleri, describing the institution as a strategic asset for expanding access to quality Arabic education and safeguarding the region’s longstanding scholarly tradition.

Responding on behalf of the delegation, the students expressed appreciation for the governor’s unwavering support and encouragement. They pledged to apply the knowledge, skills and experience acquired during their studies in Saudi Arabia towards the development of Bauchi State and Nigeria upon their return.

The visit underscored the growing interest in strengthening educational partnerships between Nigeria and Arab institutions while promoting broader recognition of Arabic scholarship within the country’s education system..