Introduction of Almajiri Schools To Address Insecurity In North, Says Yuguda

PUPILS OF ALMAJIRI TSANGAYA MODEL PRIMARY SCHOOL,  DURING THE INAUGURATION OF THE SCHOOL  IN BAUCHI ON SATURDAY
PUPILS OF ALMAJIRI TSANGAYA MODEL PRIMARY SCHOOL, DURING THE INAUGURATION OF THE SCHOOL IN BAUCHI ON SATURDAY

The Bauchi State Governor, Malam IsaYuguda, on Saturday, said the introduction of Tsangaya model schools by Federal Government would address the insecurity challenges in the North.

Yuguda made the disclosure at the inauguration of the Tsangaya Model School in Buzaye Village in Bauchi State.

He said that with the Tsangaya education system, Northern states would be highly educated, adding that “Bauchi State has more than 500,000 almajiris out of the 10 million across the country”.

According to him, his administration is the first government to integrate almajiri system of education into the Universal Basic Education programme.

The governor added that about 220 Tsangaya schools were currently under the state government with 35,531 almajiri students enrolled.

Yuguda commended President Goodluck Jonathan for initiating the Almajiri programme.

Vice President Namadi Sambo who inaugurated the school said the Federal Government introduced three educational programmes across the country in order to provide education for all.

According to him, the three programmes are the Tsangaya Schools, the Special Vocational Schools and the Girl-Child Education.

The vice president urged the state and local governments to replicate the Tsangaya model schools to enable vulnerable children in the society to access education.

Sambo said the Federal Government had fashioned out ways to make the Almajiri programme acceptable for those opposed to western education and urged religious and traditional leaders to support the system.

The Chairman, Tertiary Education Trust fund (TETfund), Alhaji Musa Babayo, said that as from 2009 to date, the Federal Government approved N300 billion to various institutions in the country.

Prof. Shehu Galadanci, the Chairman, National Tsangaya Implementation Committee, commended the Federal Government for the initiative.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Bauchi State has established three Tsangaya model schools located at Buzaye, Azare and Sade areas in the state. (NAN)