Governor Cites Need for Better Teaching of Islamic Studies to Curb Extremism
New Curriculum Combines Religious, Secular, and Vocational Training
By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna
Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum inaugurated a summit this week aimed at overhauling the Almajiri education system, a traditional Islamic learning method practiced across northern Nigeria. Held at the Musa Usman Secretariat’s conference hall, the summit gathered educational stakeholders, religious leaders, and community advocates to develop strategies for integrating Almajiri education with formal schooling.
Governor Zulum highlighted the need for a more robust approach to Islamic education to prevent extremism. He attributed some of the roots of Boko Haram’s rise to inadequate teaching methods in Islamic studies, stressing that reforming Almajiri education could play a critical role in addressing insecurity.
To advance this goal, the Borno State Government has established the Arabic and Sangaya Education Board, which will implement a unified curriculum in Sangaya and Islamic schools. The reforms also include the creation of Higher Islamic Colleges that blend religious instruction with secular education, equipping Almajiri children with essential skills for personal growth and future employment.
“The Sangaya Reform is a significant advancement, offering Almajiri students a brighter future by incorporating western education, vocational training, and basic literacy and numeracy skills into their curriculum,” Zulum stated. He noted that integrating informal and formal education is essential to preparing students for higher education.
Shiekh Arabi Abulfatahi, Chairman of the Borno State Arabic and Sangaya Education Board, expressed gratitude for the government’s support, while guest speakers Professor Mustapha Gwadabe from Ahmadu Bello University and Professor Mohammed Alhaji from the University of Maiduguri emphasized the need for comprehensive reforms to the Almajiri system.
