UDUS Students Launch Arabic FM Program to Broaden Language Appeal Beyond Religion

The Students of the Department of Arabic Studies at Usmanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto (UDUS) have launched an Arabic radio program aimed at promoting a wider language engagement with a purpose to explore widespread misconceptions about the Arabic language. 

This initiative was pioneered by the Nigerian Association for the Revival of Arabic Heritage (NARAH), and developed in collaboration with the University's Department of Mass Communication. It's launched for a weekly show on the institution’s campus radio station.

Additionally, the program stipulated time which is scheduled to be held on every Saturday from 3:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., featuring discussions on Arabic language development, literature, university activities, and contemporary issues related to Arabic studies. 

And for live engagement and entertainment, the program also includes interactive sessions such as featuring guest lecturers on the show and poetry recitations by students in its weekly broadcasting. 

“Arabic Is Not Just About Studies” — Arabic President 

Speaking with DIGEST PRESS, the President of Arabic Students' Association, Ibrahim Abdulsomad Atanda, a 400-level student, disclosed that the motivation behind the initiative was inspired by the need to address misconceptions about the language within the university community.

According to him, many students often view Arabic solely through a religious lens, ignoring its broader intellectual and cultural significance.

"What really inspired the association was that we noticed that most students who are not studying Arabic Studies see the Arabic language as only a religious language. But it is wider than that." 

"The gap is that many students have misconceptions about the language, which we want to clarify through this programme.” he said.

He further explained that the program would focus on Arabic literature, its historical development, and contemporary discussions surrounding the language in order to broaden students’ perspectives.

He therefore encourages students and members of the university community to regularly listen to the broadcast, adding that consistent engagement would help learners become more familiar with the language.

"We encourage students to tune in every time the programme is aired,” he said.

The association believes that increased exposure to the language could also provide practical benefits to students in a globalized world.

"When students begin to understand and speak Arabic, it can help them anywhere they find themselves in the world,” Atanda noted.

He concluded by revealing that the association is optimistic about expanding the initiative in the future to include additional activities that would further promote Arabic language and culture across the university.

Yisau Babatunde reports