The importance of Multilingualism is a universal need for modern life where contacts, communication and media have been compressed into a planetary global village. The choice of Arabic and French as the starting point for the Department’s language programmes is very vital. Both French and Arabic are highly valued in the Nigerian Armed forces.  Both Arabic and French are critical to Nigeria. French is the language of our Francophone neighbors. Arabic is also a co-official Language in Chad a neighboring Country with which Nigeria shares water resources and other interests.

In addition, Arabic is the official and national language of a large number of African countries, such as Egypt, Morocco, Sudan, Tunisia, Mauritania, Somalia to mention but a few. With Nigeria’s profile increasingly increasing in Africa, Nigeria’s leadership role requires our Armed Forces familiarity with the linguistic traditions of such large chunks of a continent we hope to lead.

Because of Nigeria’s internationally respected role in peace keeping operations in the West African sub-region, Nigeria’s Armed Forces may be required to play continental roles of peace keeping. In such eventualities our armed forces should be adequately equipped with languages of the continent like Arabic and French for smooth field operations, signaling need and other Communication and planning exigencies.

As Nigeria is seeking An African permanent Membership in the UN Security Council to represent the Continent, a broader international linguistic profile for our Armed Forces to encompass Arabic and French which are among the most valued languages of the Continent is extremely important. It will attract respect for Nigeria, trust and confidence for our Armed Forces that will be well equipped with Continental communication tools. The following items may be stressed as additional points that make it necessary to teach Arabic and French languages to our Cadets in NDA.

Arabic is the official and national Language of a large number of Africa countries, such as Egypt, Morocco, Sudan, Tunisia, and Somalia, to mention but a few. With Nigeria’s profile increasingly increasing in Africa, our leadership role requires our Armed Forces familiarity with the Linguistic traditions of such large chunks of a continent we hope to lead.

Because of Nigeria’s internationally respected role in peacekeeping operations in the West African sub-region, Nigerian Armed Forces may be required to play continental roles of peacekeeping. In   such eventualities our Armed Forces should be adequately equipped with languages of the continent like Arabic and French for smooth field operations, signaling needs and other communication exigencies

As Nigeria is seeking an Africa permanent membership in the UN Security Council to represent the Continent, a broader international linguistic profile for our Armed Forces to encompass Arabic and French who are among the most valued languages of the continent is extremely important. It will attract respect for Nigeria, trust and confidence for our Armed Forces that will be equipped with continental Communication tools.

There is a widely appreciated need for our Armed Forces familiarity with Arabic and French. In the POP of September 2000 a retired General invited as a guest of Honour at the Commandant’s Luncheon has observed the need for a strong linguistic base in Arabic and French within the Nigerian Armed Forces.

Our Armed Forces will not only need the two Languages in operations but in diverse Military need such in assignments as Military Attaches or Defence Advisors to Francophone and Arab phone, African and other nations.

Arabic is been taught widely in US military Academies since the time immemorial the language with which they were able to penetrate effectively into the Middle East. Please see American Website or Arabic in US military Academies on the Internet.

Arabic is 4th most spoken languages of the World, it is one of the Languages of the United Nations Organization, AU. Arab league and many other International Organizations.

For the above reasons and more, we consider it very crucial and important that, these two languages be reconsidered positively and to be re-instate fully in the curriculum of the academic program of NDA for the benefit of this grate nation.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

Language is a vehicle of thought and a unique means of communication between individuals, communities and nations. No meaningful human and material development can take place without language. Unsurprisingly human beings since antiquity accord the acquisition of language and the study of its skills important place in their educational endeavors. Specifically, Arabic language as one of Nigerian languages and the language of many sister African states in the African union has its multifaceted importance in the scheme of things. Our four year B.A. programme for both Arabic and French aims at realizing the following objectives:

1.            To enable cadets to acquire spoken and written competence in Arabic and French languages

2.            To enable cadets through competence in Arabic or French language appreciate African history and civilization before the colonial era, much of which is recorded in Arabic language.

3             To acquaint cadets with the socio-cultural, economic, commercials, political and diplomatic aspects of the life of the speakers of the language with a view to promoting international understanding.

4             To equip cadets with adequate training in the fields of teaching, translation, interpretation, administration, journalism and diplomatic and intelligent service.