Kano State Government has constituted a 20-member Advisory Committee on Almajiri Education and Welfare Reform as part of efforts to comprehensively reform and reposition the traditional Tsangaya education system.

The initiative, approved by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, is aimed at developing a sustainable framework for regulating and integrating the Tsangaya system while protecting the welfare, dignity, and future of children enrolled in it.

The committee is chaired by the Attorney General and Commissioner of Justice, Barrister Abdulkarim Kabir Maude, SAN, while the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Finance, Barrister Amina Yusuf Yargaya, serves as Secretary.

Salisu Musa Aliyu, PAS/REPA, and Hafsat Tijjani Shehu, AS II/REPA, will serve as Co-Secretary and Assistant Secretary respectively.

The state government said the broad composition of the committee reflects the multi-sectoral nature of the reform, with members drawn from government, traditional institutions, Islamic and religious bodies, the legal profession, education sector, and child-rights advocacy groups.

The committee is mandated to undertake a comprehensive assessment of the existing Tsangaya system and engage stakeholders in developing appropriate regulatory, integration and enforcement frameworks.

It will also develop a roadmap for pilot implementation, monitoring and long-term sustainability of the proposed reforms, while examining best practices and models that could strengthen the system.

A major focus of the reform is the integration of Qur’anic education with literacy, numeracy and vocational skills to expand educational opportunities for children while preserving the religious and cultural foundations of traditional Qur’anic education.

The committee is further expected to recommend measures to eliminate exploitative practices, strengthen child-protection mechanisms and develop a legal framework for the registration and licensing of Tsangaya schools.

It will also examine mechanisms for effective oversight, appropriate sanctions for violations, sustainable funding and support, as well as constructive engagement with Qur’anic teachers, parents, religious scholars, traditional rulers and communities.

According to the Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Umar Faruk Ibrahim, the calibre and experience of members of the committee demonstrate the seriousness attached to the reform of the Tsangaya system.

He expressed confidence that the committee would produce practical and implementable recommendations capable of improving educational opportunities and the welfare of Almajiri children across the state.

Responding on behalf of the committee, its Chairman, Maude, thanked the state government for entrusting members with the responsibility.

He assured that the committee would discharge its mandate diligently and within the provisions of the laws of Nigeria and Kano State.

Maude also urged members of the committee and the general public to contribute towards the success of the initiative.

The state government stressed that the reform is not intended to undermine traditional Qur’anic education, but to strengthen and reposition it through a balanced framework that preserves its Islamic and cultural foundations while equipping children with essential literacy, numeracy, vocational and life skills.

It added that the success of the initiative would depend on broad-based collaboration with traditional institutions, religious scholars, Qur’anic teachers, parents, communities and other stakeholders.

The government said the ultimate objective is to ensure that children within the Tsangaya system are protected from abuse and exploitation, provided with quality and relevant education, and adequately prepared to contribute positively to the future development of Kano. (Nigerian Tribune)