Exploring Career EDGE of Employment Theory as a Model for Developing Arabic Curriculum in Tertiary Institutions in Yoruba -Land, Nigeria.

Abstract

 There is a prevalence of unemployment challenges among majority of Arabic language graduates in Yoruba land. It is in view of this, the study utilized Career Edge Employment Theory to develop employability skills into the content of Arabic Language Curriculum. The Theory has five elements that equip individuals with cognitive experience, entrepreneurial and employability skills such as career development learning; practical life experience; subject knowledge, understanding and skills: generic skills and Emotional Intelligence. These five elements transform into self-efficacy, self-esteem and self-confidence which are prospects of employability and they are germane in the development of Arabic Language Curriculum in preparing students for the world of work and enhance their potentials and chances in getting lucrative jobs. Twelve stakeholders from selected universities, Colleges of education and graduates of Arabic engaged in different sectors of work within Yoruba land, Nigeria were interviewed on the current content of Arabic curriculum in use. The interview revealed that the present Arabic Language Curriculum needs to be reviewed as it does not fully equip graduates with employability skills necessary to function effectively in the global workplace. The study, therefore, called for a new dimension in the teaching and learning of Arabic language by exploring employment theory of Career Edge by Dacre Pool and Sewell (2007). It is therefore recommended that educational stakeholders and government agencies should work to ensure uniformity in the Arabic curriculum across all universities offering Arabic language.