Association okays integration of Islamic, western education in Kaduna 

Association of Quranic recitation and traditional Islamic schools of Nigeria, Kaduna State chapter, has pledged support to the state government’s plan to integrate Almajiri schools into formal education system.

The association said the step would help addressing the problem of the Almajiris, as well as benefit the pupils, parents and nation at large.

Chairman of the association, Mallam Suleiman Maizube, who made the pledge during the group’s visit to the state commissioner for education, Dr. Shehu Makarfi, described the decision as a welcome development, adding that the association is in full support of government’s decision.

He said: “We are here to introduce our association to you and to pledge our support to government’s plans to integrate almajiri schools into formal education system. This is what we have been praying for and we are happy that Kaduna state has taken the step toward making it a reality. We want to assure you that we are in full support,” he said.

Responding, Makarfi thanked the association for the support, stressing that the main concern of government was for the almajiris to be formally educated.

“The Almajiris will be allowed to do their normal Qur’anic studies and will be taught English, mathematics and other relevant subjects.

It is ignorance that is driving fears among stakeholders on integration of the two education systems.

There is nothing wrong in accommodating an almajiri into classrooms. Let them come in and study, but they should bear in mind that they will be taught formal education, we don’t want a situation where pupils are going round without formal education,” he said.