KANO GOVERNMENT MOVES TO REFORM ALMAJIRI SYSTEM, CONSTITUTES 20-MEMBER ADVISORY COMMITTEE.
The Kano State Government has taken a major step towards the comprehensive reform and repositioning of the Almajiri system with the constitution of a 20-member Advisory Committee on Almajiri Education and Welfare Reform.
The initiative, approved by His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Kano State, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, is aimed at developing a sustainable framework for regulating and integrating the Tsangaya education system while safeguarding the welfare, dignity and future of children within it.
The Committee is chaired by the Attorney General and Commissioner of Justice, Barr. Abdulkarim Kabir Maude, SAN, while the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Finance, Barr. Amina Yusuf Yargaya, serves as Secretary. Salisu Musa Aliyu, PAS/REPA, and Hafsat Tijjani Shehu, AS II/REPA, are to serve as Co-Secretary and Assistant Secretary respectively.
The composition reflects a broad, multi-sectoral approach, bringing together representatives of government, traditional institutions, Islamic and religious bodies, the legal profession, education sector and child-rights advocacy, in recognition of the complex educational, social, cultural and welfare dimensions of the Almajiri and Tsangaya system.
Among the members are the Commissioners for Education and Information; Director General, Special Services Directorate; Chairman of the Law Reform Commission; representatives of the Council of Emirs, Sharia Commission, Zakkat Commission and Hisbah Board; Special Advisers on Justice and Constitutional Matters and Tsangaya; representatives of Sa’adatu Rimi College of Education, the Nigerian Bar Association, child-rights advocacy groups and other relevant stakeholders.
The Committee has been mandated to undertake a comprehensive assessment of the existing Tsangaya system and engage relevant stakeholders towards developing appropriate regulatory, integration and enforcement frameworks for its effective reform.
It will also develop a roadmap for pilot implementation, monitoring and long-term sustainability of the proposed reforms, while examining relevant best practices and models that can strengthen the system.
A key component of the assignment is the integration of Qur’anic education with literacy, numeracy and vocational skills, thereby creating greater educational opportunities for children while preserving the religious and cultural foundations of traditional Qur’anic education.
The Committee is equally expected to recommend measures to eliminate exploitative practices and strengthen child-protection mechanisms, as well as develop a legal framework for the registration and licensing of Tsangaya schools, effective oversight and appropriate sanctions for violations.
It will further examine sustainable funding and support mechanisms and promote constructive engagement with Qur’anic teachers, parents, religious scholars, traditional rulers and communities as essential partners in the reform process.
According to the Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Umar Faruk Ibrahim, the calibre and experience of members of the Committee demonstrate the seriousness with which the Kano State Government is approaching the reform of the Tsangaya system.
He expressed confidence that the Committee would come up with practical and implementable recommendations capable of significantly improving the educational opportunities and welfare of Almajiri children across the state.
Responding on behalf of the Committee, its Chairman, Barr. Abdulkarim Kabir Maude, SAN, expressed appreciation to the Kano State Government for entrusting the Committee with the important responsibility.
He assured that the Committee would discharge its assignment diligently and within the confines of the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and Kano State, stressing that members would bring their experience and commitment to bear in ensuring the success of the reform initiative.
The Chairman further called on members of the Committee and the general public to give their best towards the successful implementation of the assignment, while praying to Almighty Allah to continue to strengthen Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, the Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Umar Faruk Ibrahim, and other government functionaries with good health, wisdom and guidance in the discharge of their responsibilities.
The Kano State Government emphasised that the reform initiative is not intended to undermine the traditional Qur’anic education system, but to strengthen and reposition it through a balanced framework that preserves its Islamic and cultural foundations while providing children with essential literacy, numeracy, vocational and life skills.
The Government further stressed that the success of the initiative would depend on broad-based collaboration, and reaffirmed its commitment to working with traditional institutions, religious scholars, Qur’anic teachers, parents, communities and other stakeholders towards building a more inclusive, regulated and sustainable system.
The reform, the Government said, is ultimately designed to ensure that children within the Tsangaya system are protected from abuse and exploitation, have access to quality and relevant education, and are adequately prepared to contribute positively to the future development of Kano State.
Musa Tanko Muhammad
Press Secretary,
Office of the Secretary to the State Government, Kano.
02/09/2026
