Yobe Sate Government To Improve Almajiri Education

Yobe State Governor Mai Mala Buni has said his administration would begin an improvement in the education system of the informal Quranic school (Almajiri) education system.

Represented by Deputy Governor Alhaji Idi Gubana, Governor Buni on Wednesday made this known at a three-day stakeholders’ meeting on Almajiri education in Damaturu, the state capital.

He said the improvement was part of the goal to reform education in the state and prepare its citizens mentally for the ongoing challenges of development.

“At the peak of the global outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic, some states took unpalatable measures that almost strangled Almajiri education in their areas.

“Yobe carefully adopted a measure that accommodates the COVID-19 prevention protocols, culminating in the migration of many Almajiri to the state.

“The Almajiri joined a special programme and took up donated start-up materials for their income generation and self-reliance,” Buni expressed.

He praised the Almajiri Education Steering Committee and the United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF) for arranging such a meeting with the theme: “Almajiri Education and Contemporary Challenges.”

Governor Buni said the meeting was to provide solutions to the challenges facing the Almajiri schools, encouraging those present at the meeting to share their experience.

Commissioner, Basic and Secondary Education and Chairman, State Steering Committee on Almajiri Education System, Dr. Mohammad Idris said the Almajiri education was for learning Islamic principles, values, theology, and jurisprudence.

He also said the improvement was to promote the systems and reduce the derogation of the students.

A member of the Presidential Steering Committee on Alternate School Programme, Alhaji Balarabe Kakale, reacted to the growth of the Almajiri education, saying the system was receiving international support.