KANO GOVERNMENT SETS UP COMMITTEE TO REFORM ALMAJIRI SYSTEM

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By; Sunmola Ganiyat

The Kano State Government has constituted a 20-member advisory committee to oversee the comprehensive reform and repositioning of the Almajiri and Tsangaya education system in the state.

The initiative, approved by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, is aimed at developing a sustainable framework for regulating and integrating the Tsangaya system while protecting the welfare, dignity and future of children within it.

The development was disclosed in a statement issued by the Press Secretary to the Secretary to the State Government, Musa Muhammad, and made available to journalists on Thursday.

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 were appointed co-secretary and assistant secretary respectively.

Other members include the Commissioners for Education and Information; the Director General of the Special Services Directorate; the Chairman of the Law Reform Commission; and representatives of the Council of Emirs, Sharia Commission, Zakkat Commission and Hisbah Board.

Also represented are the Special Advisers on Justice and Constitutional Matters and Tsangaya, Sa’adatu Rimi College of Education, the Nigerian Bar Association, child-rights advocacy organisations and other relevant stakeholders.

According to the statement, the broad composition of the committee reflects the government’s recognition of the educational, social, cultural and welfare dimensions of the Almajiri and Tsangaya system.

The committee has been tasked with conducting a comprehensive assessment of the existing Tsangaya system and consulting relevant stakeholders to develop regulatory, integration and enforcement frameworks for its reform.

It will also develop a roadmap for pilot implementation, monitoring and long-term sustainability of the proposed reforms, while studying relevant best practices that could strengthen the system.

The committee is expected to recommend measures to eliminate exploitative practices, improve child-protection mechanisms and establish a legal framework for the registration and licensing of Tsangaya schools.

It will further propose effective oversight mechanisms and appropriate sanctions for violations, examine sustainable funding and support systems, and promote collaboration with Qur’anic teachers, parents, religious scholars, traditional rulers and local communities.

Speaking during the inauguration, the Secretary to the State Government, Umar Ibrahim, said the calibre and experience of the committee members demonstrated the seriousness attached to the reform initiative.

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 thanked the state government for entrusting members with the responsibility and pledged that the committee would carry out its assignment diligently and in accordance with the laws of Nigeria and Kano State.

He said members would deploy their experience and commitment towards ensuring the success of the reform programme.