Calligraphy as an Art Form in Nigerian Arabic Studies Departments: A Survey of Practice and Pedagogy

Arabic calligraphy, one of the most celebrated art traditions in the Islamic world, has been cultivated in Nigerian educational and religious contexts for centuries, yet its academic institutionalisation within university Arabic studies programmes remains poorly documented. This study surveys the practice and pedagogy of Arabic calligraphy within Arabic studies departments in five Nigerian universities located in the geopolitical zones of the North West, North East, North Central, South West, and South South. Using a mixed-methods design, the research administers questionnaires to 120 Arabic studies students and 30 faculty members, supplemented by structured interviews with five departmental heads and analysis of programme curricula. The study documents the calligraphic scripts taught, instructional methods employed, assessment practices used, and student and staff perceptions of calligraphy's educational value. Findings reveal significant variation across institutions, with some departments offering dedicated calligraphy modules while others address it only incidentally. Student enthusiasm for calligraphy is generally high, though access to quality materials and trained instructors is limited. The study argues that calligraphy deserves formal integration as a core module within undergraduate Arabic studies curricula, given its contribution to Arabic script mastery, cultural appreciation, and vocational skill development. Keywords: Arabic calligraphy, pedagogy, Arabic studies, Nigerian universities, art education.