From Muawuya Bala Idris Katsina
The Katsina State Government held a high-level, one-day stakeholders’ engagement aimed at reforming the Almajiri and Islamiyya education system.
The meeting took place at the Local Government Service Commission Conference Hall, bringing together Islamic scholars, community leaders, teachers, civil society members, and policymakers to develop sustainable solutions for Qur’anic and Islamic education in the state.
In his keynote address, Governor Malam Dikko Umaru Radda reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to transforming the education system, describing it as one of the state’s most urgent priorities.
“With over 90 percent of our population being Muslims, it is essential that government collaborates closely with Islamic scholars and communities to strengthen this system,” the governor stated.
The governor emphasized the pivotal role of respected Ulamas in guiding the reforms. “True success cannot be achieved without the active involvement of our scholars,” he said.
He announced the creation of three new Tsangaya Model Schools combining Qur’anic memorization with modern subjects such as English, Mathematics, and vocational training for both boys and girls.
He also pledged full sponsorship for indigene Qur’an memorizers meeting academic criteria to study professional courses like MBBS and Nursing.
Prof. Umar Alkali, delivering a lead paper titled “Almajiri System of Education in Katsina State: Why Previous Reforms Failed,” cited challenges such as poor teacher welfare and inadequate child protection.
He highlighted data showing over 314,000 out-of-school children in Katsina, urging urgent reforms.
“The reform must be community-based, focusing on family care, teacher training, and provision of learning materials in Hausa, Arabic, and English,” he said.
The event attracted key dignitaries including the Speaker of the Katsina State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Nasir Yahaya Daura, and Chief Judge Hon. Justice Musa Danladi. Stakeholders praised Governor Radda’s dedication to safeguarding Islamic values while modernizing education and pledged full support to the reform process.