Jigawa State Government has commenced the recruitment of 500 teachers for the Tsangaya Quranic education system, as part of efforts to reform the traditional Almajiri system in the state.
The executive secretary of the Tsangaya Education Board, Dr. Abubakar Make, disclosed this while speaking to newsmen during an inspection at centres designated for Computer-Based Test organized for shortlisted candidates.
He noted that the state governor, Malam Umar Namadi, has initiated a policy aimed at reforming the Almajiri education system to address street begging, while also ensuring that every child receives sound education and skills training.
Dr. Make added that the initiative will integrate traditional Tsangaya Quranic education into a formal education system, complete with a curriculum and teacher guides. This, he said, will make pupils more punctual, productive, and capable of pursuing education up to the tertiary level.
“The pupils will study the Qur’an alongside English, Mathematics, Basic Science, and Computer Studies, while vocational training will prepare them for future employment and self-reliance,” Make stated.
He revealed that 33,150 candidates were shortlisted out of 9,000 applicants for the Computer-Based Test.
According to him, mega and medium Tsangaya schools have been established across the state, where both Quranic and conventional education will be taught alongside skills training.
“Under the programme, the newly established three mega Tsangaya schools in Dutse, Kafin Hausa, and Ringim are expected to admit about 1,500 children each, and this will continue to grow in line with the master plan of the new system designed to ensure sustainable reform of the traditional Almajiri education system,” he said.
The executive secretary also revealed that the state government has approved N480 million for the renovation of seven modern Tsangaya schools established during the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan in the state.
Currently, Jigawa has more than 5,481 traditional Tsangaya schools, 130 integrated Tsangaya schools, seven modern Tsangaya schools, and three mega Tsangaya schools
