By Ali Rabiu Ali, Dutse
The Jigawa State Government, in collaboration with UNICEF and with support from the European Union, has launched a sensitisation programme aimed at integrating foundational literacy and numeracy into the Tsangaya education system, in a move designed to improve learning outcomes for Almajiri children without altering the traditional Qur’anic education structure.
The one-day meeting, held on Thursday in Dutse, brought together Alarammas (Qur’anic teachers) from different local government areas of the state to deepen their understanding of the integration model and their role in its implementation.
Speaking at the opening of the programme, the Executive Secretary of the Jigawa State Tsangaya Education Board (JSTEB), Dr. Abubakar Maje Hamisu, said the initiative was intended to address misconceptions surrounding the integration of conventional education into the Tsangaya system.
According to him, many Qur’anic teachers initially feared that the programme was designed to replace or weaken the traditional system of Islamic education.
“There have been many misunderstandings about the concept of integration. Some Alarammas think it is an attempt to abolish the traditional Tsangaya system, but that is not the case,” he said.
He explained that the programme was designed to strengthen Qur’anic education by equipping Almajiri children with additional knowledge and practical skills needed in modern society.
“Our goal is not to replace Qur’anic education but to make it stronger. Alongside memorising the Holy Qur’an, the children will also acquire literacy, numeracy and vocational skills that will improve their future opportunities,” he added.
Hamisu described Alarammas as the backbone of the Tsangaya education system, stressing that their participation and support were critical to the success and sustainability of the reform.
He urged participants to share the knowledge gained during the workshop with other Qur’anic teachers who could not attend.
“Whatever you have learnt here should not end with you. Go back and educate others so that more people will understand the importance of this programme. That is how we can build a stronger and more qualitative Tsangaya education system in Jigawa and across Northern Nigeria,” he said.
A presentation delivered by Dr. Auwalu Halilu of the Faculty of Education, Bayero University, Kano, described integration as an approach that combines Qur’anic education with foundational literacy and numeracy without diminishing the importance of Islamic studies.
He explained that under the model, Almajiri children would continue learning the Qur’an and Islamic knowledge while also acquiring reading, writing, mathematics, life skills and vocational training.
“The objective is to produce children who are grounded in both religious and worldly knowledge. We are not replacing Qur’anic education; we are strengthening it,” he said.
Halilu said the integration would improve children’s ability to read, write and solve everyday problems while opening opportunities for employment, entrepreneurship and vocational development.
He added that the initiative could also contribute to reducing poverty, street begging and social exclusion among Almajiri children by equipping them with skills needed to function confidently in today’s society without compromising their Islamic identity.
The sensitisation meeting also focused on creating safe and inclusive learning environments, strengthening collaboration between the Jigawa State Tsangaya Education Board, UNICEF, Alarammas and other stakeholders, and outlining implementation plans, facilitator selection, monitoring and continuous support.
Participants expressed satisfaction with the initiative and pledged to embrace the integration model in their respective Tsangaya centres.
Several Alarammas said the programme had clarified misconceptions about the reform and assured organisers of their commitment to combining Islamic education with foundational literacy and numeracy to improve the quality of education available to Almajiri children across the state.
