Prof. Qaasim Badmaasi, a leading Arabic Language scholar at Al-Hikmah University, Ilorin, has called for an immediate overhaul of the admission criteria for Arabic Studies programs in Nigerian universities. Speaking at the university’s 5th inaugural lecture, held at the main auditorium in Ilorin, Prof. Badmaasi addressed the challenges facing Arabic syntax within the Nigerian context.

Prof. Badmaasi emphasized the need for stringent admission requirements, recommending that candidates aspiring for direct entry into Arabic Studies programs should possess a minimum of a merit pass in Arabic and ideally have studied Islamic Studies at the advanced level. He proposed that those who do not meet these criteria should start from the 100-level and must pass both written and oral Arabic examinations following the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME). Additionally, candidates should demonstrate fluency in Arabic, including the ability to read and speak the language proficiently.

He suggested that during the entrance examinations, candidates should read at least half a page of Arabic text and speak the language for at least three minutes, with a minimum score of 50 required in the written test. Prof. Badmaasi also proposed that Arabic classes be conducted exclusively in classical Arabic, and that students should communicate solely in Arabic within the classroom. He further advocated for all research projects to be written in classical Arabic.

Highlighting the importance of a balanced curriculum, Prof. Badmaasi recommended integrating Arabic literature courses with Arabic language studies, particularly at the postgraduate level, to prevent one field from overshadowing the other. He also supported the integration of Islamic Studies with Arabic language studies at the undergraduate level, while ensuring a clear distinction between the two disciplines at the postgraduate level.

Additionally, Prof. Badmaasi proposed the introduction of a course on the Science of Syntactic Principles (Ilm Usul an-Nahwi) into the Arabic curriculum for both undergraduate and postgraduate students. He also emphasized the need for Research Methods to be taught by the 300-level to adequately prepare students for their research projects.

The Vice-Chancellor of Al-Hikmah University, Prof. Noah Yusuf, commended Prof. Badmaasi for his insightful recommendations and expressed appreciation to the distinguished guests in attendance, including the university’s founder and chairman, Alhaji (Dr) Abdulraheem Oladimeji, Deputy Vice-Chancellor Prof. Abdulganiy Akashoro, Registrar Dr. Kazeem Oladimeji, and former Vice-Chancellors.