From Olukayode Idowu, Maiduguri
Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Zulum has indicated the state government’s plan to establish diploma awarding Islamic college in each of the 27 local government areas of the state.
The governor disclosed the plan on Monday during the opening of a-three day public hearing on complete reformation of almajiri traditional Islamic education system.
The meeting which is been held at the multipurpose hall of the Borno State Government House, brought together a collation of stakeholders which inputs would be used in drafting an action plan for the proposed almajiri traditional Islamic education system.
In attendance at the public hearing organized by a high-powered committee established on November 19, 2020 by the governor, with the mandate of reforming the almajiri system are Islamic clerics who either founded, manage or teach in traditional almajiri system.
The governor while declaring open the gathering, said his administration has a plan to construct 27 higher Islamic colleges, with one in each of the 27 local government areas of the state with the mandate of providing opportunities for eligible adults with adequate Islamic knowledge to acquire diplomas in western education after meeting laid down academic pre-qualifications.
He explained that the higher Islamic colleges would be designed to also serve as Islamic research centres in addition to teaching and learning.
Professor Ibrahim Muhammad, a director, Qur’anic Education Centre, Bayero University, Kano, who was the guest speaker at the public hearing, eulogized Zulum for his rare focus and leadership style that involves adequate planning.
He said: “Borno is very lucky to have Zulum as its leader.”
In his paper, Muhammad gave a historic account of how almajiri system of education started in Northern Nigeria, tasking stakeholders in Borno State to remain focused on the planned reforms.
In their separate contributions, the guest of honour, Dr Usman Bugaje; an Islamic scholar, political activist and civil society leader and a former Vice Chancellor of the University of Maiduguri, Prof. Abubakar Mustapha, spoke on ways of reforming the system.
The three speakers are expected to present papers during the technical sessions; while other stakeholders are also expected to make contributions.
The event was attended by representatives of the Shehu of Borno, Abubakar Umar Garbai Elkanemi; the Executive Secretary, Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC); the Chief Imam of Borno and top government officials led by the state’s head of service.