Two non-governmental organizations in Kaduna State, Nigeria, the Women and Children’s Rights and Empowerment Foundation of Nigeria (WCREFN) and the Muslim Peace Networks (MPN), have recently distributed Arabic learning aids to Tsangaya Islamic schools in an effort to strengthen Islamic education among Almajiri schools in the region.
The director of WCREFN, Barister Maryam Abdu, stated that the organizations collaborated to provide study aids to Almajiri schools, aiming to improve their education standards similar to students in Western schools.
The distribution included Arabic reading slates, inks, and pens, enabling students to enhance their Arabic language skills in reading, recitation, and writing.
Maryam highlighted the historical shift in emphasis from Qur’anic education to Western education in Northern Nigeria during the colonial era.
.
This transition led to a decline in support and funding for Qur’anic education, resulting in the current situation where Almajiri children are seen begging on the streets due to the lack of resources provided by their teachers (Mallams).
The organizations aim to enhance the standards of Almajiri education and the overall school system. The distribution of learning materials coincided with the Islamic New Year (Muharram) and the upcoming International Friendship Day.
Imam Husain, the director of Muslim Peace Networks, emphasized the importance of Arabic education and the need to provide students with the necessary tools to acquire knowledge.
He advocated for inclusive education for all children, irrespective of their tribe, culture, religion, or historical background.
The provision of reading and writing aids to Almajiri schools aims to empower them with additional learning materials and improve the quality of Arabic education. All stakeholders are called upon to support this cause.
Alaramma Saliyu Muhammad, the Chairman of the Association of Tsangaya Schools in Kaduna South, expressed gratitude for the support and encouraged the government and other stakeholders to provide further learning materials for Almajiri education.
He also urged affluent individuals to assist the students in acquiring necessary learning materials.
Muhammad stressed the importance of Islamic education in promoting moral and ethical values, critical thinking, community and social relations, countering extremism and terrorism, providing professional skills, preparing students for higher education, and fostering cultural awareness and appreciation.
He called upon the Ministry of Education and stakeholders involved in Tsangaya education to enhance educational standards in this field.
