Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, has launched a summit to reform the Almajiri education system, a traditional Islamic form of learning prevalent in northern Nigeria.
The summit, held at the Musa Usman Secretariat’s conference hall, brought together education stakeholders, religious leaders, and community advocates to discuss strategies for integrating the Almajiri system with formal education.
In his address, Governor Zulum highlighted the importance of addressing insecurity by ensuring educational opportunities for all Borno residents.
He stated that “improper teaching of Islamic studies has contributed to the emergence of Boko Haram insurgents,” underscoring the necessity of reforms in the Almajiri system.
Governor Zulum announced the establishment of the Arabic and Sangaya Education Board, which will implement a unified curriculum for Sangaya and Islamic schools across the state.
This initiative includes the establishment of Higher Islamic Colleges tailored for Almajiri children, which blend religious and secular curricula, equipping students with vital skills for future employment and personal development.
“The Sangaya Reform is a great development and will give Almajiri a better chance in life, particularly the introduction of integrating western education, vocational, numeracy and literacy skills into the centres, which are also described as Almajiri and Islamic schools,” said Zulum.
The Governor further stated the government’s aim to merge informal and formal systems into quality integrated Sangaya schools, enabling Almajiri students to access higher education.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Borno State Arabic and Sangaya Education Board, Sheikh Arabi Abulfatahi, expressed gratitude to Governor Zulum for his support in advancing the board’s work.
Professors Mustapha Gwadabe of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, and Mohammed Alhaji of the University of Maiduguri, both guest speakers, called for a comprehensive overhaul of the Almajiri education system, stressing its urgent necessity.
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