Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, has called for the integration of Arabic education into Nigeria’s educational curriculum to ensure graduates from Arabic-speaking countries receive equal recognition and opportunities.

The governor made the appeal 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.

Mohammed expressed concern over what he described as the gradual decline of Northern Nigeria’s long-standing Arabic educational heritage, noting that the region has historically maintained strong educational, religious and cultural ties with the Arab world.

He stressed the need to preserve those connections while ensuring that qualifications obtained through Arabic education are properly recognised within Nigeria’s education system.

The governor also lamented the abandonment of the once-thriving Arabic College in Alkaleri by previous administrations, calling for its revival to expand access to quality Arabic education and create more opportunities for future generations.

Speaking earlier, Dr. Idris said the visit was to introduce Saudi Arabian businessmen interested in investing in Bauchi State. He noted that the investors were exploring partnership opportunities that would 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 support for Bauchi students studying in Saudi Arabia.

Representatives of the students thanked Governor Mohammed for his support and pledged to apply the knowledge and experience gained abroad to the development of Bauchi State and Nigeria upon completing their studies.