Zulum to Westernise Almajiri education system

The Governor of Borno State, Babagana Zulum, has expressed readiness to reform the Almajiri education system, an Islamic method of learning popular in the north.

This was as he stressed the need to address the root causes of insecurity through the provision of education for all citizens of Borno.

He stressed that improper teaching of Islamic studies has contributed to the emergence of Boko Haram insurgents in the state.

The governor made this known while addressing education stakeholders, religious leaders, and community advocates at the conference hall of the Musa Usman Secretariat.

According to a statement issued by the state government, the participants discussed issues, shared insights and proposed actionable solutions to the challenges faced by the Almajiri education system.

As part of efforts to curtail the adverse effects associated with Almajiri education, Zulum said his administration established the Arabic and Sangaya Education Board and also introduced a unified curriculum for Sangaya and Islamic schools.

Other reforms will blend religious and secular curricula and also establish Higher Islamic Colleges that cater to Almajiri children.

“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,” Zulum said.

In his remarks, the Chairman, Borno State Arabic and Sangaya Education Board, Sheikh Arabi Abulfatahi, expressed gratitude to the governor for giving the board the necessary support in discharging its duties.