WAKE-UP CALL TO CHALLENGES FACING ARABIC EDUCATION IN NIGERIA

As we have known that Arabic, which by virtue of Islam, had established itself in Nigeria as the language of administration, literacy, education, history and legislation before the arrival of colonial masters and had contributed immensely to the development of Nigeria as a nation in the areas of religion, education, economy, socio-psychology, diplomacy and security. It will not augur well to see this first foreign language speaking by more than half of Nigerian population fading away while we are still alive; things have to be done because is one of the identities of Muslims.
There is no doubt that Nigeria as a Nation has no any cultural ties whatsoever in any form or shape with French language but we are surprised to see it elevated to the same status as English while Arabic language and its schools are being relegated to the back-water.
Under the new system of education which is divided into three levels, there are about twelve compulsory core subjects with one elective subject. English studies, Mathematics, Social Studies, Health and Physical Education, Religious Studies as well as French are among the compulsory subjects while Business Studies and Arabic are demoted and given optional status.
One would also wonder why the language that brought civilization to the present world and its schools (Arabic schools) are being treated as non-formal education in our dear country? I think this is why we are living as a Muslim to protect our language and value our culture.
Remember Nigeria Defense Academy (NDA) where Arabic department is now history, Arabic inscription in our naira notes and now our educational sector. Why are we Muslims then when we cannot protect our identity?
Ameer Ta’awun