November 13, (THEWILL) – Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, has launched a reform-focused summit aimed at overhauling the Almajiri education system, a traditional Islamic learning method prevalent across northern Nigeria.
The summit, held at the Musa Usman Secretariat conference hall, gathered key education stakeholders, religious leaders, and community advocates to deliberate on innovative approaches to integrate the Almajiri system with formal basic education.
The event provided a critical platform for participants to discuss pressing issues, exchange insights, and propose practical solutions to the challenges confronting Almajiri education.
In his address, Zulum highlighted the urgency of addressing the root causes of insecurity through accessible education for all citizens of Borno.
He underscored that a lack of structured Islamic education has contributed to the rise of the Boko Haram insurgency in the region.
To mitigate the adverse impacts of traditional Almajiri education, the governor revealed that the state government has established the Arabic and Sangaya Education Board, which introduces a unified curriculum for Sangaya and Islamic schools.
This new approach, he said, aims to combine religious and secular subjects, equipping students with essential skills for their future.
“The Sangaya Reform is a significant step forward, offering Almajiri students better opportunities by incorporating Western education, vocational training, and literacy skills into their learning centers, also known as Almajiri and Islamic schools,” Zulum stated.
He continued, “Our aim is to merge the informal and formal education systems to create a quality integrated Sangaya school model that facilitates entry into colleges and universities.”
Chairman of the Borno State Arabic and Sangaya Education Board, Sheikh Arabi Abulfatahi, expressed gratitude to the governor for his support in advancing the board’s objectives.
Guest speakers, Professor Mustapha Gwadabe of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, and Professor Mohammed Alhaji of the University of Maiduguri, emphasised the urgent need for a comprehensive reform of the Almajiri system, advocating for sustainable and transformative changes.
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