By Maikudi Muhammad Marafa
The Kano State Government has constituted a 20-member Advisory Committee on Almajiri Education and Welfare Reform as part of efforts to comprehensively reform and reposition the Tsangaya education system across the state.
In a statement issued by Musa Tanko Press Secretary office of the Secretary to the State Government stated that, The initiative, approved by Governor Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, is aimed at developing a sustainable framework for regulating and integrating the Almajiri education system while safeguarding the welfare, dignity, and future of children enrolled in Tsangaya schools.
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The committee is chaired by the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Barr. Abdulkarim Kabir Maude, SAN, while the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Finance, Barr. Amina Yusuf Yargaya, serves as Secretary. Salisu Musa Aliyu and Hafsat Tijjani Shehu will serve as Co-Secretary and Assistant Secretary, respectively.
Membership of the committee reflects a broad multi-sectoral approach, comprising representatives from government ministries, traditional institutions, Islamic and religious organizations, the legal profession, the education sector, and child-rights advocacy groups. The committee also includes representatives of the Council of Emirs, Sharia Commission, Zakkat Commission, Hisbah Board, Nigerian Bar Association, Sa’adatu Rimi College of Education, and other relevant stakeholders.
The committee has been mandated to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the existing Tsangaya system and engage stakeholders in developing practical regulatory, integration, and enforcement frameworks for its effective reform.
As part of its assignment, the committee will develop a roadmap for pilot implementation, monitoring, and long-term sustainability of the reforms while identifying best practices that can strengthen the Almajiri education system.
A major focus of the reform is the integration of Qur’anic education with literacy, numeracy, vocational training, and life skills to expand educational opportunities for children without compromising the Islamic and cultural values of the traditional Tsangaya system.
The committee is also expected to recommend measures to eliminate exploitative practices, strengthen child protection mechanisms, establish a legal framework for the registration and licensing of Tsangaya schools, and introduce effective monitoring and enforcement measures.
In addition, it will propose sustainable funding mechanisms and promote collaboration with Qur’anic teachers, parents, religious scholars, traditional rulers, and communities to ensure the success of the reform process.
Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Umar Faruk Ibrahim, said the calibre and experience of the committee members demonstrate the government’s strong commitment to transforming the Almajiri system. He expressed confidence that the committee would deliver practical and implementable recommendations capable of improving the welfare and educational opportunities of Almajiri children across Kano State.
Responding on behalf of the committee, Chairman Barr. Abdulkarim Kabir Maude, SAN, thanked the Kano State Government for the confidence reposed in the committee and pledged that members would discharge their responsibilities diligently and in accordance with the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and Kano State.
He called on all stakeholders and members of the public to support the reform initiative, expressing optimism that collective efforts would ensure the successful transformation of the Tsangaya education system.
The Kano State Government emphasized that the reform is not intended to undermine traditional Qur’anic education but to strengthen and modernize it through a balanced approach that preserves its religious and cultural heritage while equipping children with essential academic, vocational, and life skills.
The government reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with traditional institutions, religious leaders, Qur’anic teachers, parents, communities, and development partners to build a more inclusive, regulated, and sustainable Almajiri education system that protects children from abuse and exploitation while preparing them for meaningful contributions to society.
