Jigawa Targets 4,500 Almajirai Under Almajiri Free Zone Programme

The Jigawa State Government has announced plans to enrol more than 4,500 Almajirai into a structured Tsangaya education system that combines Qur’anic studies with Western education and vocational training.

The initiative, known as the Almajiri Free Zone, is aimed at reducing street begging and the number of out-of-school children in the state while improving the welfare and learning conditions of Almajirai.

The Executive Secretary of the Jigawa State Tsangaya Education Board, Abubakar Maje, disclosed this during a one-day sensitisation programme for 150 traditional Islamic teachers on the initiative.

He said three mega Tsangaya schools in Dutse, Kafin Hausa and Ringim would each accommodate 1,500 children.

READ ALSO: Jigawa LG Secretariats Empty As Namadi Pays Unscheduled Visit To Six Councils

According to him, the schools would provide Qur’anic education alongside English, Mathematics and vocational skills to prepare the children for self-reliance after their studies.

Jigawa currently has more than 5,481 traditional Tsangaya schools, 130 integrated Tsangaya schools, seven modern Tsangaya schools and three mega Tsangaya schools.

Maje also disclosed that the state government had approved N480 million for the renovation of the seven modern Tsangaya schools built during the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan.

He said the government would also support traditional Islamic teachers with fertiliser and other agricultural inputs, enabling them to engage in farming and produce food for children under their care.

In addition, the state plans to provide solar-powered lighting to Tsangaya schools that are not directly managed by the government.

Maje said the initiative would provide Almajirai with access to education, accommodation, healthcare, vocational training and improved welfare, while helping to reduce their movement around markets and major towns.

He, however, warned traditional Islamic teachers against travelling to other states to bring additional Almajirai into Jigawa, saying such practice would be contrary to the new policy.

The government said the programme forms part of its broader efforts to reform the traditional Tsangaya education system, tackle the out-of-school children crisis and create better opportunities for vulnerable children across the state.