Kano moves to reform Almajiri system, sets up committee
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The Kano State Government has inaugurated a 20-member advisory committee on Almajiri education and welfare reform as part of efforts to comprehensively reform and reposition the system.
This was contained in a statement by the Press Secretary, Office of the Secretary to the State Government, Musa Muhammad, made available to PUNCH Online on Thursday.
According to the statement, the initiative, approved by Governor Abba Yusuf, is aimed at developing a sustainable framework for regulating and integrating the Tsangaya education system while safeguarding the welfare, dignity and future of children within it.
“Kano State Government has taken a major step towards the comprehensive reform and repositioning of the Almajiri system with the constitution of a 20-member Advisory Committee on Almajiri Education and Welfare Reform,” the statement said.
The committee is chaired by the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Abdulkarim Maude, SAN, while the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Finance, Amina Yargaya, serves as secretary.
Salisu Aliyu and Hafsat Tijjani are to serve as co-secretary and assistant secretary, respectively.
Other members of the committee are Commissioners for Education and Information; Director General, Special Services Directorate; Chairman of the Law Reform Commission; representatives of the Council of Emirs, Sharia Commission, Zakkat Commission and Hisbah Board; Special Advisers on Justice and Constitutional Matters and Tsangaya; representatives of Sa’adatu Rimi College of Education, the Nigerian Bar Association, child-rights advocacy groups and other relevant stakeholders
The committee is chaired by the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Abdulkarim Maude, SAN, while the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Finance, Amina Yargaya, serves as secretary.
Salisu Aliyu and Hafsat Tijjani are to serve as co-secretary and assistant secretary, respectively.
Other members of the committee are Commissioners for Education and Information; Director General, Special Services Directorate; Chairman of the Law Reform Commission; representatives of the Council of Emirs, Sharia Commission, Zakkat Commission and Hisbah Board; Special Advisers on Justice and Constitutional Matters and Tsangaya; representatives of Sa’adatu Rimi College of Education, the Nigerian Bar Association, child-rights advocacy groups and other relevant stakeholders.
The composition reflects a broad, multi-sectoral approach, bringing together representatives of government, traditional institutions, Islamic and religious bodies, the legal profession, education sector and child-rights advocacy, in recognition of the complex educational, social, cultural and welfare dimensions of the Almajiri and Tsangaya system,” it said.
It said the committee had been mandated to undertake a comprehensive assessment of the existing Tsangaya system and engage stakeholders in developing regulatory, integration and enforcement frameworks for its effective reform.
The committee is also expected to develop a roadmap for pilot implementation, monitoring and long-term sustainability of the proposed reforms, while examining relevant best practices and models that could strengthen the system.
It will recommend measures to eliminate exploitative practices and strengthen child-protection mechanisms, as well as develop a legal framework for the registration and licensing of Tsangaya schools, effective oversight and appropriate sanctions for violations.
The committee will further examine sustainable funding and support mechanisms and promote engagement with Qur’anic teachers, parents, religious scholars, traditional rulers and communities as partners in the reform process.
Speaking at the inauguration, the Secretary to the State Government, Umar Ibrahim, said the calibre and experience of the committee members demonstrated the seriousness with which the state government was approaching the reform of the Tsangaya system.
He expressed confidence that the committee would produce practical and implementable recommendations capable of improving educational opportunities and the welfare of Almajiri children across the state.
Responding on behalf of the committee, Maude expressed appreciation to the state government for entrusting members with the responsibility.
He assured that the committee would discharge its assignment diligently and within the confines of the laws of Nigeria and Kano State.
He added that members would bring their experience and commitment to bear in ensuring the success of the reform initiative
