The National Board for Arabic and Islamic Studies, the Nigeria Arabic Language Village, and the National Commission for Almajiri and Out-of-School Children’s Education will work together to enhance the educational experience of Almajiri students by integrating Arabic studies into their curricula, the Commission announced on Thursday night.
According to a statement issued by the Commission in Abuja, this was disclosed by Dr. Muhammad Sani Idris, the Executive Secretary of NCAOOSCE, during an inter-agency collaborative meeting involving the three agencies in Kaduna.
He stated that the organisations are dedicated to making sure Almajiri students obtain a thorough education that includes a profound comprehension of Arabic language and Islamic teachings through this collaboration.
“The lack of understanding of the Arabic language among memorizers of the Qur’an can lead to manipulation by selfish individuals.
“When people rely solely on memorization without comprehension, they become vulnerable to misinterpretations and distorted explanations of the Qur’anic verses, prompting them to take up arms against the state.
“Some misguided individuals may also exploit this lack of understanding to promote their agendas, cherry-picking verses to justify their claims and manipulate followers.” Dr Idris added.
He added that the National Commission for Almajiri and Out-of-School Children’s Education is closely collaborating with other pertinent organisations to improve Almajiri education in addition to working in partnership with NBAIS and NALV in the field of Arabic studies.
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“One of the key focuses is to introduce English language education to Almajiri students, ensuring that they have the necessary skills to thrive in a modern, globalized world.”
The NCAOOSCE Executive Secretary said by collaborating with various agencies, the commission is committed to providing Almajiri students with a well-rounded education that prepares them for success in all aspects of life.
“Products of the Almajiri schools can be enrolled in institutions like the Islamic University of Madina and the Islamic University of Niger, and study courses that would qualify them as workers in the judiciary, foreign missions and in the teaching profession.”
Dr. Muhammad Sani Idris made a request to the National Board for Arabic and Islamic Studies, NBAIS, requesting that the Tsangaya Unit of the Board be turned over to NCAOOSCE to function as a learning hub for the redesigned almajiri curriculum. He added that the commission will offer an expedited learning course to out-of-school youth in the southern region of the nation who are enrolled in apprenticeship programmes, enabling them to pursue higher education.
We will also collaborate with the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons, NAPTIP to fight against the trafficking of such children, child labour and any form of inhumane treatment.”
Both the Registrar of NBAIS, Prof. Yahuza Imam and the CEO of NALV, Prof. Ibrahim Muhammad pledged their maximum cooperation towards addressing the challenges faced by out-of-school children in Nigeria.
The Federal Agency for Almajiri and Out-of-School Children’s Education, known as the National Commission, is tasked with the coordination and implementation of policies aimed at reforming the Almajiri education system and addressing the issue of out-of-school children in Nigeria.
