By Ali Rabiu Ali, Dutse
The Jigawa State Government has announced plans to enrol 4,500 Almajiri children into modern Tsangaya schools as part of efforts to reduce street begging and provide them with access to Islamic, Western and skills-acquisition education.
The Executive Secretary of the Jigawa State Tsangaya Education Board, Dr. Abubakar Maje Hamisu, disclosed this while addressing Alarammomi (Tsangaya teachers) from across the state during a sensitisation meeting on the government’s new Almajiri development programme.
He said the initiative, introduced under the leadership of Governor Umar A. Namadi, was aimed at taking Almajiri children off the streets and providing them with a structured educational environment.
According to him, the state government has constructed three mega Tsangaya schools in Dutse, Kafin Hausa and Ringim, where the 4,500 Almajiri children would be enrolled.
Dr. Maje said the Alarammomi were invited because of their important role in the Tsangaya system, stressing that the success of the programme depended on their cooperation and commitment.
He explained that the government would also support Alarammomi with monthly allowances, solar-powered water-pumping machines, seeds, fertiliser and other agricultural inputs to enable them to support themselves and the Almajiri under their care.
“We want to ensure that every child has access to education, healthcare and other opportunities necessary for their development. By doing this, we are building a society characterised by peace, prosperity, harmony and social development,” he said.
The Executive Secretary further disclosed that the government would soon introduce legislation to restrict Almajiri from roaming and begging within the state capital, except those enrolled in approved modern Tsangaya schools.
He therefore urged Alarammomi to support the government’s programme, saying their cooperation would contribute to creating a safer and more educated society where children would acquire Islamic and Western education as well as entrepreneurial skills.
Dr. Maje said Jigawa currently has 5,481 traditional Tsangaya schools, 130 integrated Tsangaya schools, seven modern Tsangaya schools and three mega Tsangaya schools.
He added that the government was also working to strengthen schools established during the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan.
According to him, the state government approved N480 million for the renovation and provision of additional structures at six model and girls’ schools, with the work already completed.
He said the state would enrol an additional 1,500 students into the six model and girls’ schools through the Almajiri programme.
Dr. Maje also revealed that the mega Tsangaya schools have skill-acquisition centres where Almajiri children would be trained in various vocational skills to prepare them for self-reliance.
The sensitisation meeting was attended by 150 Alarammomi drawn from different parts of Jigawa State.
One of the Alarammomi, Gwani Suhailu Hassan, welcomed the initiative, describing it as a positive development that would transform the Almajiri education system.
He pledged the support of Alarammomi to the government programme, saying it would not only benefit Jigawa State but could also serve as a model for Almajiri development beyond the state.
He said the programme had the potential to reduce street begging while giving children the opportunity to acquire quality education and skills for a better future.
