In a bold move to reshape the future of Islamic and modern education in Katsina State, Governor Malam Dikko Umaru Radda convened a high-level stakeholders’ engagement on Monday, September 22, 2025.
The one-day summit, held at the Local Government Service Commission Conference Hall, brought together a diverse coalition of scholars, educators, civil society leaders, and policymakers to address long-standing challenges in the Almajiri and Islamiyya education systems.
Governor Radda, in his keynote address, declared the reform of Almajiri and Islamiyya education a top priority for his administration. With over 90% of the state’s population practicing Islam, he emphasized the need for collaborative efforts between government and religious scholars to ensure meaningful change.
Central to the governor’s vision is the establishment of three Tsangaya Model Schools, the first of which will be commissioned before the year ends. These institutions will blend Qur’anic memorization with modern subjects such as English, Mathematics, and vocational training—catering to both boys and girls.
In a landmark policy announcement, Governor Radda revealed that any citizen of Katsina who memorizes the Holy Qur’an and meets academic criteria will be eligible for full government sponsorship to study professional courses like Medicine (MBBS) and Nursing. These students will also receive recognized certificates and training in modern skills to enhance their career prospects.
The governor highlighted several initiatives already underway, including the creation of the Zakkat and Waqf Commission, the Hisbah Board, and the appointment of a Special Adviser on Tsangaya and Out-of-School Children. He also mentioned ongoing improvements to key cemeteries as part of efforts to strengthen Islamic values and community life.
Governor Radda called on Mallams and educators across the North-West to support the reforms, stressing that community involvement is essential to solving the Almajiri challenge.
Prof. Umar Alkali delivered a compelling lead paper titled “Almajiri System of Education in Katsina State: Why Previous Reforms Failed,” citing weak community ownership, poor teacher welfare, and fragmented coordination as key issues. He referenced CPIMS data from April 2022, which recorded over 314,000 out-of-school children in Katsina, including 140,495 Almajiri learners.
Prof. Alkali recommended a community-based model focused on family care, child protection, teacher training, and multilingual learning kits.
Meanwhile, Prof. Saifullahi Sani Matazu, the Statistician-General of Katsina State, stressed the importance of accurate data and outlined three pillars for successful reform: robust data collection, lessons from past models, and deeper collaboration between Ulamas, government, and civil society.
UNICEF’s Kano Field Office representative, Mr. Rahmah, praised the governor’s initiative and reaffirmed UNICEF’s commitment to supporting Qur’anic and Islamiyya education in Katsina. The organization has been a partner in this space for over five years.
The summit featured prominent voices including Prof. Isah Ali Ibrahim Pantami, Malam Aminu Ibrahim Daurawa, Prof. Muhammad Mansir Sokoto, Sheikh Jabir Sani Maihula, and a representative of Sheikh Dahiru Usman Bauchi—all pledging their support for the reforms.
Civil society leaders, led by Malam Bishir Usman Ruwan-Godiya, called for harmonization of Tahfizul schools, while ALGON Vice Chairman Alhaji Rabo Tambaya pledged local government support and commended the establishment of the Hisbah Board.
The event drew a host of dignitaries, including Speaker of the Katsina State House of Assembly Rt. Hon. Nasir Yahaya Daura and Chief Judge Hon. Justice Musa Danladi. Key education officials such as SUBEB Chairman, Dr. Kabir Magaji and Commissioner Hajiya Zainab Musa Musawa were also present, alongside Tsangaya leaders, Ulamas, and development partners.
As Katsina embarks on this transformative journey, the resounding message from the summit was clear: reforming Almajiri and Islamiyya education is not just a policy goal—it’s a moral imperative to uplift children, preserve cultural values, and prepare the next generation for a brighter future.
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