The Kaduna State Universal Basic Education Board (KADSUBEB) has begun enrolling Almajiri pupils into integrated Qur’anic and Tsangaya boarding schools to enable them combine religious education with conventional schooling.
The exercise is aimed at reducing the number of out-of-school children in the state. KADSUBEB Principal Education Officer, Magaji Mohammed, on Saturday September 19, said Kaduna has eight government-owned boarding primary schools specifically established for Almajiri pupils, with free boarding and feeding provided.
Mohammed said more than 100 pupils were expected to be enrolled during the latest screening exercise, covering the Kaduna North and Zaria clusters. He added that children with disabilities were also being admitted, with support from UNICEF, including learning materials.
The pupils were mobilised from communities through KADSUBEB Social Mobilisation Officers, who engaged Alarammas, or Qur’anic teachers, to explain that the programme would allow the children to continue their Qur’anic studies alongside Western education.
Officials and representatives of the Tsangaya Association urged parents and pupils to embrace the opportunity, stressing that formal education would complement rather than replace Qur’anic learning. The programme is part of efforts by the Kaduna State Government, with UNICEF support, to ensure more school-age children gain access to education.
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