The Contribution of Al-Azhar Returnees to Arabic Language Education in Bauchi State

Nigerian graduates of Egypt's Al-Azhar University represent a distinctive and highly trained cohort of Arabic language and Islamic studies professionals whose contribution to secondary and tertiary Arabic education in their home states has not been systematically documented. This study examines the contribution of Al-Azhar returnees to Arabic language education in Bauchi State, profiling their academic and professional trajectories and assessing the impact of their Al-Azhar training on instructional quality in the institutions where they work. Using a descriptive survey approach, the research identifies and interviews 45 Al-Azhar returnees currently teaching Arabic or Islamic studies in secondary and tertiary institutions across Bauchi, Misau, and Tafawa Balewa local government areas. Student performance data and peer and supervisory assessments of teaching quality are gathered from the institutions employing the returnees. The study finds that Al-Azhar returnees demonstrate notably higher Modern Standard Arabic oral proficiency and stronger command of classical texts than locally trained colleagues, but sometimes struggle with Nigerian curriculum requirements and examination formats. A significant proportion are found to be under-employed relative to their qualifications. Recommendations include a Bauchi State government programme for the professional integration and continuing development of Al-Azhar returnees. Keywords: Al-Azhar returnees, Arabic language education, Bauchi State, Islamic studies, teacher quality.