Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, on Monday declared open a three-day public hearing for collation of stakeholders’ inputs for the complete reformation of almajiri traditional Islamic education system in the state where the system is known as Tsangaya.
The public hearing, which had in attendance Islamic clerics who either founded, manage or teach in traditional almajiri system, was organized by a high-powered committee established on November 19, 2020 by the governor, with the mandate of reforming the almajiri system. The committee is chaired by Khalifa Aliyu Ahmed Abdulfathi.
The event held at the multipurpose of the Government House in Maiduguri.
Governor Zulum announced plans by his administration to construct 27 higher Islamic colleges which will provide opportunities for eligible adults with adequate Islamic knowledge to acquire diplomas in western education after meeting laid down academic prequalifications.
By that, each of the 27 local government areas of the state will have one of the schools.
Zulum explained that the higher Islamic colleges would be designed to also serve as Islamic research centres in addition to teaching and learning.
Professor Ibrahim Muhammad, a director, Qur’anic Education Centre, Bayero University, Kano, who was the guest speaker at the public heary, eulogized Governor, Zulum for his rare focus and leadership style that involves adequate planning.
“Borno is very lucky to have Zulum as its leader”, Prof Muhammad declared before going into the details of his paper.
The don’s paper gave a historic account of how almajiri system of education started in Northern Nigeria, tasking stakeholders in Borno State to remain focused on the planned reforms.
In their separate contributions, the guest of honour, Dr Usman Bugaje; an Islamic scholar, political activist and civil society leader and a former Vice Chancellor of the University of Maiduguri, Prof. Abubakar Mustapha, spoke on ways of reforming the system.
The three speakers are expected to present papers during the technical sessions; while other stakeholders will make contributions.
The event was attended by representatives of the Shehu of Borno, Abubakar Umar Garbai Elkanemi; the Executive Secretary, Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC); the Chief Imam of Borno and top government officials led by the state’s head of service
