During my NYSC days in Gombe state,I had series of experiences about poverty level of the northern states,I visited taraba state,plateau,Niger,adamawa and Kano.Most of the Nigerians leaders comes from the northern axis but it is ridiculous to see the poverty level there.During the compulsory endurance treks,we pass through alots of villages and these made me wonder why qualities of lives are at the lowest ebb.The advice of professor Soludo to the people is good.Western education should be given greater attention,so that the people could be employable when they come to the south.Arabic education only helps in reading the Holy quran.Our official language is English,arabic is a foreign language needed only in the mosque.What you find in south are people reading quoran in the tents where they are either night guards,selling water,riding okada.No education by which they could be employed by Dangotes except in the menial.The Government school where I served in the norths have four graduate out of 26 teachers in the staff rooms,about 10 teachers with diploma in arabic and islamic education.Something should be done to address the issue on education and poverty.Thank you.GBENGA