Hassan Turaki.
The National Commission for Almajiri and Out-of-School Children Education has been urged to enact a law that would grant certificates to Almajiri students who memorized the Holy Quran, enabling them to further their education up to university level and access government opportunities.
This call was made by Alhaji (Dr.) Bashir Albishir Bukar Machinama, (OON, L’ONN), Chairman Board of Trustees of the Darul Naharatul Ahbabul Qur’an Organisation of Nigeria, during a courtesy visit to the Executive Secretary of the National Commission for Almajiri and Out-of-School Children Education, Alhaji Dr. Sani Muhammad Idris, at his office in Abuja.
Alhaji Bashir expressed his disappointment over the lack of provision for Almajiri education in the country’s in the National Policy on Education. The Emir equally showed his concern for not giving the Almajiris the opportunity to buy for elective positions. The Nigrian Constitution only recognizes Secondry school Cerificates as minimum qualifications for any elective office. Thus, His Highness, the Emir of Machina, urged the Commission to develop new strategies that would recognize the Almajiri system of education as another form of literacy. The Commission could develop strategies to improve the lives of Almajiri students and teachers nationwide. He highlighted the organization’s focus areas, including:
- Visiting Almajiri schools to assess the conditions of students;
- Sensitizing Almajiri teachers on modernizing their teaching methods:
- Educating Almajiri students on personal hygiene and environmental sanitation;
- Teaching Almajiri students vocational skills for self-reliance;
- Developing strategies to reduce street begging.
The Executive Secretary, Alhaji Dr. Sani Muhammad Idris expressed satisfaction with the organization’s objectives and activities, particularly in Northern Nigeria. He called for a working partnership between the Commission and the organization and assured that the Commission is working on opening schools that offer Quranic education, which would enable students to progress up to university level.
Regarding the call for legislation on Almajiri education, Dr. Sani revealed that the Minister of Education has directed the compilation of data to inform policy decisions on Almajiri education and improve their livelihoods, adding that the process is near completion.
The Executive Secretary also instructed the Head of the Almajiri Education Department to review the organization’s proposals and establish a working relationship. He assured the organization of the Commission’s support to continue their activities and pledged to work with them to address street begging. He equally informed the organization that the Commission is making some profforsals to start feeding Almajiris as the case in the conventional school system.
Signed
Isma’il Salisu Bature
Director Information
Darul Naharatul Ahababul Qur’an Organisation of Nigeria.
