What is the reason behind a general lack of interest in education in the arab world?

I personally think it can be a number of different factors. A big chunk of that lies in the lack of funding dedicated for Education, whether it's elementary, highschool or college leveled. I've also began noticing a huge lack of demotivation from prospective students as they probably don't see the high correlation between a college degree and its potentials in gaining fruitful employment careers. 

And last but not least, many students think that western education is the "absolute best" with complete conviction, where I don't necessarily see it as a rule of thumb, as I've been taught in both college level education in both the Arab and the Western world. 

families and punishment

If you mean by governments , I think that is due to the fact that they consider it a consuming activity not bringing money like other activities.Most responsibles send their sons and daughters to international and private schools.so , they can't see the real world of education.

Students lack of interest is due to the fact that it is linked in their parents' head to getting a good job.

In Europe , or the USA Education costs a lot of money and lifelong learning is qualifying to different jobs.Academic achievement and good morals qualify to free education.