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Critics of Almajiri ban are anti-development–Ganduje
Nazifi Dawud
Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje has described those who criticize his decision to ban child beggars (almajirai) from roaming the streets across Kano state as “anti-development and anti-people.”
KANO FOCUS recalls that Mr Ganduje had pronounced the proscription of almajirai in the state last Tuesday, and vowed to arrested and prosecute parents who allow their children to roam the streets, begging for food in the name of seeking Islamic knowledge.
Almajirai menace: Kano bans child beggars, to prosecute errant parents
However, the governor was criticized by the Kano Council of Ulama, led by Sheikh Ibrahim Khalil, who said the policy could not succeed “without the consultation and inclusion of stakeholders.”
Kano Council of Ulama rejects Ganduje’s Almajiri ban
It’s wrong for Islamic scholars to attack Ganduje over Almajiri ban–Pantami
But speaking on Sunday during a visit to some Tsangaya schools in Bagwai, Madobi and Bunkure local government areas of the state, Mr Ganduje said begging is un-Islamic and insists on implementing the ban policy.
“Begging is poverty-driven as a result of lack of parental care and lack of societal care. We must take the responsibility of our children,” the governor was quoted in a statement by Abba Anwar, his chief press secretary.
“As we born them, Allah places such responsibilities on our shoulders. Those kicking against our policy are anti-development and anti-people. Or they even lack proper understanding of the position of Islam on begging,” he added.
Mr Ganduje explained that his visit to the Tsangaya schools was part of the steps taken to implement the almajirai proscription.
“The visit was as part of the final touch for the full scale take-off of our banning of begging in the state. Begging is banned and will remained banned. We are telling these beggars to leave begging forever. And we are committed to see to the implementation of this.
“When we capture these beggars we take them to these facilities and take good care of them, we give them education, feed them and look after their living condition,” the governor said.
According to the statement “each of the facilities visited by the governor could accommodate thousands of Almajiris and there are 12 similar facilities across some local governments in the state. Each facility has dormitory, hostels, cafeteria, thousands of toilets, staff quarters among others.”
“We employed over 8,000 teachers recently that would be send to such schools. These children would also be given training on skills acquisition. So that they would become self-independent.
“Those begging in the street as we take them off the street we will take them to those newly established Tsangaya schools.
“We keep them there give them Qur’anic education, English language, Mathematics and Arabic language for them to understand the meaning of the what they are reading, the Holy Qur’an.”
“The second strategy is, those that are under their guardians, we will enrol them into nearby primary schools. And after finishing their primary education we will take them to secondary schools also.”
“Those with thousands of Almajiris would be integrated also into out free and compulsory education system.
“While at the same time government will continue to provide the schools with foodstuffs and some amount of logistics for them to take care of the children. That we have already started with some pilot Almajiri schools. And we are improving the facilities to be healthy,” Mr Ganduje further explained.
Aminu Abdullahi Ibrahim
The Kano State Ministry of Education’s Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE) Project, supported by the World Bank, has successfully renovated over 1,300 senior and junior secondary schools in the state in the last three years.
KANO FOCUS reports that the state commissioner for education, Alhaji Ali Haruna Makoda, disclosed this during a visit to the Karaye Emirate on Tuesday.
He added that the AGILE program has enrolled more than 30,000 girls through targeted outreach, grants, and its Second Chance education initiative.
Makoda further revealed that the state government has finalized plan to construct 130 new schools in rural communities, with over 35,000 girls already benefiting from financial assistance under the scheme.
He urged the Karaye Emirate to lend full support to the program and prioritize girls’ education.
In his remarks, the Emir of Karaye, Alhaji Muhammad Maharaz, pledged the emirate’s commitment to advancing girls’ education in Kano State.
He commended the state government and the commissioner for their dedication to the programme’s success.
“It is our collective responsibility to support this initiative,” the Emir stated, calling for measures to ensure beneficiaries complete their education with strong academic outcomes.
The commissioner’s delegation consist of the Kano State AGILE Project Coordinator, Malam Mujitapha Aminu and other members of State Programme Implementation Unit (SPIU).
Aminu Abdullahi Ibrahim
Bayero University Kano (BUK) on Monday celebrated the 50th anniversary of its Faculty of Education and inaugurated its Alumni Association at the Convocation Arena of the university’s new campus.
KANO FOCUS reports that the event was graced by government officials, education stakeholders, and alumni all gathered to commemorate the faculty’s contributions to Nigeria’s educational sector.
In her keynote address, the State Minister for Education, Mrs. Suwaiba Sa’id Ahmad announced the Federal Government’s Sector Renewal Initiative designed to transition Nigeria from a resource-based to a knowledge-based economy.
She highlighted that the aim of the renewal initiative consists of – Reducing the number of out-of-school children; combating learning poverty; nhancing skills development and human capital for the labor market
The minister noted that the initiative prioritizes Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET); Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM); Digital literacy and education quality assurance.
Mrs. Ahmad disclosed that the Federal Government had disbursed ₦35 billion to 261 beneficiaries under the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), with BUK among the top beneficiaries.
“So far, the scheme has received 420 applications, and we are scaling up investments,” she stated.
She further confirmed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu approved ₦120 billion to boost TVET programs, with plans to train 650 youths in technical, vocational, and digital skills over the next two years.
Emeritus Professor Sani Ahmad Sufi, former Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education, praised the faculty for its high-quality graduates.
“Our pride lies not just in the number of graduates produced yearly, but in their impact across Nigeria and beyond,” he said.
He added that the faculty has produced Nigeria’s largest pool of graduate teachers many of whom hold key positions nationally and internationally.
The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje applauded the faculty for its significant role in advancing education in Nigeria.
The event concluded with awards presented to distinguished alumni and supporters of the faculty in recognition of their contributions to its growth.
Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has emerged as a beacon of hope for graduates left stranded due to the previous administration’s negligence regarding academic certificates.
His determination to rectify these injustices has culminated in decisive actions to secure the future of Kano’s youth. Ibrahim Adam, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Information, shared these developments with the media.
On December 9, 2024, Governor Yusuf traveled to Cyprus with a mission to obtain the overdue academic certificates for Kano students affected by the prior administration’s failure to meet its educational financial obligations.
During a critical meeting with the management of Near East University, the governor focused on facilitating the release of certificates for students who graduated between 2015 and 2019, particularly in essential fields like Medicine and Nursing.
This was confirmed by Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, the governor’s spokesperson.
In a significant move, Governor Yusuf has settled the outstanding fees of €1.4 million (approximately ₦2.5 billion) owed to the university for 84 medical and2015 to 2019.
This substantial financial commitment honors the dedication and hard work of these graduates, restoring their hopes for a future that had previously been unjustly delayed.
According to Ibrahim Adam, the certificates are set to be handed over to the Kano State Scholarship Board through the Nigerian Ambassador to Turkey, marking a pivotal moment for the affected students.
Governor Yusuf acknowledged the challenges faced by the graduates, declaring, “This situation has been a significant setback for our children, hindering their dreams and aspirations, and it has also affected our state, which is in dire need of their expertise.”
His vision for a prosperous Kano is centered on prioritizing education, ensuring that talented individuals can make valuable contributions to the state’s advancement.
The governor’s proactive measures not only address the systemic issues in the education sector but also inspire renewed hope among Kano’s youth.
By fulfilling his promises, he emphasizes the crucial role of supporting young people in achieving their aspirations, which is vital to the state’s growth.
As this milestone is celebrated, it is evident that Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s relentless pursuit of educational reform signals a transformative era for Kano State.
His administration’s unwavering focus on education stands as a vital investment in the futures of individuals and the overall development of the state.
Under his leadership, Kano State is poised to realize its full potential, with eager graduates ready to make impactful contributions to their communities.
Governor Yusuf’s commitment to empowering the youth serves as an enduring reminder that with dedication and decisive action, a brighter future is attainable for all.
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