Saudi citizens undergo training in English, Hausa in Nigeria
NAN-H-8
Proficiency
By Mohammed Lawal
Zaria (Kaduna State), Dec. 11, 2016 (NAN) The Ameer Shehu Idris College of Advanced Studies (ASICAS), Zaria, Kaduna State, has commenced special training for Saudi Arabian citizens in English and Hausa languages.
The intensive training would enable the Saudis to be proficient and bag Diploma certificates in the courses, an official has said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Proprietor of ASICAS, Prof. Shafi’u Abdullahi, disclosed this at a two-day orientation programme organised for the students in Zaria on Sunday.
Abdullahi said the beneficiaries of the programme would first be introduced to the rudiments of the two languages to prepare them for six months certificate course and two years Diploma courses in both languages.
He told the trainees that Arabic was not a foreign language in Nigeria, saying: “There is a community in Nigeria who speaks Arabic as its mother tongue in Borno State, to be specific, Shuwa Arab. As such, feel at home.
“You are here to learn English and Hausa in their standard form. Remember, there is difference between market Hausa and Hausa learnt in school.”
According to him, of the total number of students, two were graduates, while the remaining 28 have completed their secondary education in Saudi Arabia.
The ASICAS Envoy at Saudi Arabia, Malam Musa Ali-Almangawy, urged the students to be committed and dedicated to their studies.
He said: “Whoever leaves home should not expect 100 per cent substitute.”
Ali-Almangawy lauded President Muhammadu Buhari for the prevailing peace in Nigeria.
The Guest Lecturer, Dr Jonah Ahmadu of English Language Department, Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, in a paper described English as a universal language being spoken in almost all fields of endeavours.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the paper is titled: “The Importance of English Language Learning as a Medium of Communication”.
Ahmadu said: “Some of you may aspire to become pilots, sailors, bankers, diplomats, among other professions, you can only successfully practice your profession anywhere in the world if you can speak English.
“It is not enough to say you know English but you must attain proficiency level,” he advised.
The don listed four basic skills in learning a language to include listening, reading, writing and speaking.
The Provost of the college, Dr Richard Oguleye, said the school was determined to provide the students with intensive basic skills that would enable them catch-up quickly.
“We want them to learn faster, so we will mix them up with our Nigerian students so that they can catch-up as quickly as possible.
“We will endeavour to give them the best we can to enable them accumulate, comprehend and communicate within the shortest possible time,” he assured.
NAN also reports that the students comprised of both male and female youths. (NAN)
KLM/MST/MST
Edited by Muhammad Suleiman Tola