By JACOB ONJEWU DICKSON
The Honourable Commissioner for Human Services and Social Development, Hajia Rabi Salisu, received the Special Adviser to the Honourable Minister of Education on Almajiri and out-of-school children and National Chairman of Almajiri Reform and Employment Initiative in Nigeria (AREIN), Dr. Balarabe Shehu Kakale.
A joint meeting was held between the Ministry of Human Services and Social Development, the Special Adviser to the Honourable Minister of Education and the chairman of AREIN.
The meeting aimed to seek guidance and support from the state government to integrate the Almajiri school system into the formal education system.
In his opening speech, Dr. Balarabe Shehu Kakale emphasized the importance of recognizing Almajiri education as part of the country’s education system.
He noted the new policy initiatives of the current administration’s new policy initiatives outlined use of mother tongue as language of instruction in schools, structuring the curriculum to strategically address gaps and absorb Almajiri educational school system.
Dr. Kakale recalled that Nigeria had a coordinated education system in the past, but colonialism disrupted this.
He emphasized the need to recognize the classical primary pupil of Tsangaya schools, who seek knowledge and memorize the Quran.
The Honourable Commissioner expressed gratitude for the efforts of the Special Adviser and noted Kaduna State’s remarkable achievements in addressing Almajiri and out-of-school children.
She highlighted the state’s commitment to considering Almajiri schools a critical component of strategic development.
Kaduna State has initiated several programmes to support Almajiri education, including training teachers, enrolling students in formal schools, and providing parents with livelihood skills and vocational training.
The Honourable Commissioner concluded by emphasizing the need for collective effort and synergy to change the narrative of Almajiri education and promote social integration, economic empower
