The Katsina State Government, in collaboration with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), is taking a significant step towards improving the education system for Almajiri students. Over 100 proprietors of Tsangaya (Almajiri) schools have been mobilised to integrate core subjects like Mathematics and English into the existing Qur’anic curriculum. This development, which is a part of a broader initiative to provide quality basic education, was announced during a workshop held on Thursday in Katsina.
UNICEF’s Kano Field Office Education Specialist, Mutaka Mukhtar, revealed that participants from six local government areas—Rimi, Katsina, Mani, Baure, Kafur, and Kankara—had gathered for the one-day event. The workshop, supported by UNICEF, is aimed at guiding school proprietors in developing an action plan that incorporates Western education alongside the religious studies.
Mukhtar emphasised the importance of education as a fundamental right for every child. He noted that despite Katsina facing security challenges that could prevent many children from attending formal schools, the integration of core subjects into Tsangaya schools will allow children to receive a balanced education within their own community. “What we are trying to do is ensure that these children are not denied their right to education and can maximise their potential,” he said.
In his remarks, the UNICEF focal person at the Katsina State Agency for Mass Education, Abdulbaki Lawal-Lema, stressed that the world is moving towards embracing Western education. He emphasised that this initiative will enable students in Almajiri schools to learn basic subjects such as English and Mathematics, ensuring they are not left out in the modern educational landscape.
