Kano Government Inaugurates Panel for Almajiri Education and Welfare

In a significant step towards a comprehensive overhaul of the Almajiri system, the Kano State Government has established a 20-member advisory committee. This committee is tasked with reforming Almajiri education and ensuring the welfare of the children involved. The formation of this body was disclosed in a statement issued on Thursday to PUNCH Online by Musa Muhammad, the Press Secretary for the Office of the Secretary to the State Government.

Approved by Governor Abba Yusuf, this initiative aims to create a sustainable framework for regulating and integrating the Tsangaya education system. A core objective is to protect the welfare, dignity, and future prospects of children within this educational structure. The statement emphasized that the state government has taken a crucial stride in repositioning the Almajiri system by constituting this advisory committee.

The committee is headed by Abdulkarim Maude, SAN, who serves as the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice. Amina Yargaya, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Finance, holds the position of secretary, with Salisu Aliyu and Hafsat Tijjani acting as co-secretary and assistant secretary, respectively. Other distinguished members include the Commissioners for Education and Information, the Director General of the Special Services Directorate, and the Chairman of the Law Reform Commission. Also represented are the Council of Emirs, the Sharia Commission, the Zakkat Commission, and the Hisbah Board. Special Advisers on Justice and Constitutional Matters and Tsangaya, along with representatives from Sa’adatu Rimi College of Education, the Nigerian Bar Association, child-rights advocacy groups, and other relevant stakeholders, complete the diverse membership.

The government highlighted that the committee's composition reflects a broad, multi-sectoral approach. It brings together various governmental bodies, traditional authorities, Islamic and religious organizations, legal professionals, the education sector, and child-rights advocates. This comprehensive representation acknowledges the intricate educational, social, cultural, and welfare challenges inherent in the Almajiri and Tsangaya systems.

The committee's mandate involves conducting a thorough evaluation of the existing Tsangaya system and engaging with stakeholders to develop regulatory, integration, and enforcement frameworks for effective reform. It is also expected to outline a roadmap for pilot implementation, monitoring, and the long-term sustainability of the proposed changes, while also studying relevant best practices and models that could enhance the system. Furthermore, the committee will recommend measures to eliminate exploitative practices, strengthen child-protection mechanisms, and develop a legal framework for registering and licensing Tsangaya schools, ensuring effective oversight, and imposing appropriate sanctions for violations. It will also explore sustainable funding mechanisms and promote collaboration with Qur’anic teachers, parents, religious scholars, traditional rulers, and communities as partners in the reform process.

During the inauguration, Umar Ibrahim, the Secretary to the State Government, stated that the caliber and experience of the committee members underscore the seriousness with which the state government is addressing the Tsangaya system's reform. He expressed confidence that the committee would deliver practical and implementable recommendations aimed at improving educational opportunities and the welfare of Almajiri children across Kano State. In response, Maude conveyed the committee’s gratitude to the state government for the trust placed in them, assuring that they would execute their assignment diligently and within the bounds of Nigerian and Kano State laws. He affirmed that members would leverage their experience and commitment to ensure the success of this reform initiative.