The Kaduna State Universal Basic Education Board (KADSUBEB) has begun enrolling Almajiri pupils into integrated Qur’anic and Tsangaya boarding schools. The programme aims to reduce the number of out-of-school children. It allows pupils to combine Qur’anic education with Western education. The screening and enrolment exercise was held on Saturday in Kaduna.
Nigeria has one of the world’s highest numbers of out-of-school children. Estimates range from 10 to 20 million, depending on methodology. The Almajiri system, concentrated in the north, accounts for millions. Pupils live with Qur’anic teachers, known as Alarammas, and study memorisation of the Qur’an. Many do not receive Western education. In 2019, the Federal Government proposed integrating Almajiri schools. Implementation lagged. In 2021, UNICEF and northern states revived the effort. The Kaduna programme is part of that push.
Magaji Mohammed, Principal Education Officer in charge of Access and Equity at KADSUBEB, said the state has eight boarding primary schools for Almajiri pupils. They are located in Jagindi, Jere, Labar, Maraban Gwanda, Hunkuyi, Anchau, Soba and Dan Alhaji. Pupils are sourced through Social Mobilisation Officers. The officers engage Alarammas and explain that the programme will not interfere with Qur’anic education. More than 100 pupils were expected to be enrolled during the exercise. The exercise covered the Kaduna North and Zaria clusters. UNICEF is partnering with KADSUBEB and monitoring enrolment.
Sanusi Haruna, Acting Deputy Director of Social Mobilisation, said the exercise is conducted annually with established screening guidelines. The schools are government-owned and free. Boarding and feeding are provided. Children with disabilities are admitted. Hashiya Aliyu, Head of Social Mobilisation for Kaduna North, urged pupils to remain focused. Aliyu Jibril of the Tsangaya Association said Western education would not hinder Qur’anic learning. It would provide additional skills and opportunities.
Winners: Almajiri pupils, who gain access to Western education. Alarammas, who retain their role. KADSUBEB, which shows results. UNICEF, which funds and monitors. Kaduna State, which reduces out-of-school numbers. Losers: Pupils outside the programme. Communities without boarding schools. Traditionalists who fear erosion of Qur’anic education. Taxpayers, if the programme is underfunded. The federal government, whose earlier efforts stalled.
Bottom Line: Kaduna is enrolling Almajiri pupils into integrated schools. The model respects Qur’anic education and adds Western learning. It is a sensible approach. The test is scale. Eight schools cannot absorb millions. The programme needs funding, teachers and sustained political will.