The Kano State government has inaugurated a 20-member advisory committee on Almajiri education and welfare reform as part of steps towards bringing comprehensive reform and repositioning the entire system.
This is contained in a statement by the Press Secretary, office of the Secretary to the State Government, Musa Tanko Muhammad, a copy of which was made available to The Punch on Thursday.
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“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.
According to the Statement, the initiative, approved by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, was 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.
The Committee is chaired by the Attorney General and Commissioner of Justice, Abdulkarim Kabir Maude, SAN, while the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Finance, Amina Yusuf Yargaya, serves as Secretary. Salisu Musa 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.
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It explained that the Committee has been mandated to undertake a comprehensive assessment of the existing Tsangaya system and engage relevant stakeholders towards developing appropriate regulatory, integration and enforcement frameworks for its effective reform.
It will also develop a roadmap for pilot implementation, monitoring and long-term sustainability of the proposed reforms, while examining relevant best practices and models that can strengthen the system.
The Committee is equally expected to 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.
It will further examine sustainable funding and support mechanisms and promote constructive engagement with Qur’anic teachers, parents, religious scholars, traditional rulers and communities as essential partners in the reform process.
In his remarks at the occasion, Secretary to the State Government, Umar Faruk Ibrahim, said the calibre and experience of members of the committee demonstrate the seriousness with which the Kano State Government is approaching the reform of the Tsangaya system.
He expressed confidence that the committee would come up with practical and implementable recommendations capable of significantly improving the educational opportunities and welfare of Almajiri children across the state.
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Responding on behalf of the committee, its Chairman, Abdulkarim Kabir Maude, SAN, expressed appreciation to the Kano State Government for entrusting the committee with the important responsibility.
He assured that the Committee would discharge its assignment diligently and within the confines of the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and Kano State, stressing that members would bring their experience and commitment to bear in ensuring the success of the reform initiative.
