By IINA,
Katsina : Katsina State government in Nigeria has approved the incorporation of Islamic and Quranic schools into the formal or western system of education, the aim of which is to provide new opportunities for more students. The policy, which will be implemented in phases, may finally address the issue of street beggars, popularly called Almajiris in the state. Commissioner for Information Alhaji Sani Makana, who stated this after the state’s Executive Council Meeting, said the policy was approved in line with present administration’s resolve to promote Islamic education and values in the state.
He said a plan, under which qualified students from the state will be sponsored into some Sudanese institutions to study Arabic and Islamic education, has also been approved. Makana explained that the plan was in consideration of Sudan’s position in the area of Quranic and Islamic education, adding that some of the students to be sent to the country would also study in other fields of learning. He said the administration would continue to explore more ways and means to promote Islamic and Quranic education, both within and outside the state, with a view to strengthening the moral values of the people of the state.
Meanwhile, the Katsina State House of Assembly is considering establishing a school of remedial studies in Mani council area of the state. The school, if established, would cater for the needs of students in the area who want to pursue higher qualifications, so as to improve the socio-economic condition of the area.
In a motion sponsored by member representing Mani constituency, AlHaji Lawal Mani, requesting the state government to establish the school, added that the measure became necessary in view of the fact that all the old seven local government areas of the state had a tertiary institution with the exception of Mani. Mani said establishing the school would greatly enhance the socio-economic well being of people in the area as it would ease the difficulties being faced by students in gaining admission into various institutions of higher learning.
Participating in the debate, members representing Dutsin-ma, Alhaji Halilu Karofi and his Bindawa counterpart, Alhaji Surajo Doro, maintained that establishing the institution would play major role towards tackling admission problem being encountered by students in the area.