*Abdulkarim Kabiru Maude, SAN*
Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, has constituted an Advisory Committee on Almajiri Education and Welfare Reform, with the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Abdulkarim Kabiru Maude, SAN, appointed as Chairman.
The committee has been formally inaugurated by the Secretary to the Kano State Government, Alhaji Ibrahim Umar Farouk, at his office.
The committee comprises key stakeholders from the education, justice, religious, traditional and security sectors, including the Honourable Commissioner for Education, Gwani Ali Haruna Makoda; Honourable Commissioner for Information, Alhaji Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya; Director General, Special Services Directorate, Major General Muhammad Sani Rtd.; Chairman, Kano State Law Reform Commission, Justice Lawal Wada Mahmoud Rtd.; representatives of the Sharia Commission, Zakkah Commission, Hisbah Board and the Council of Emirates, among others.
The committee is tasked with conducting a comprehensive assessment of the current Tsangaya system in the state and engaging relevant stakeholders to develop sustainable reforms.
Its terms of reference include developing appropriate regulatory and integration frameworks, recommending pilot implementation strategies, addressing exploitative practices, promoting access to quality education, and studying successful models of integrating Qurโanic education with basic literacy, numeracy and vocational skills.
The committee is also expected to examine funding and monitoring mechanisms, child protection measures and propose appropriate legal and regulatory reforms, including registration and licensing requirements for Tsangaya schools and effective measures against exploitation.
Speaking at the inauguration, the Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Ibrahim Umar Farouk, said the constitution of the committee demonstrated Governor Abba Kabir Yusufโs determination to address the challenges confronting Almajiri education and welfare in the state.
He urged the members to approach the assignment with commitment, professionalism and broad stakeholder consultation, stressing that the committeeโs recommendations should be practical, sustainable and capable of improving the quality of education while protecting the rights and dignity of children.
Responding, the Chairman of the committee and Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Abdulkarim Kabiru Maude, SAN, ACArb., expressed appreciation to Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf for the confidence reposed in him by assigning him the responsibility.
The Attorney General assured the Governor that he would work closely with members of the committee and relevant stakeholders to achieve the objectives of the assignment, noting that the committee would give due consideration to both the preservation of the beneficial aspects of the traditional Tsangaya system and the need to ensure quality education, child protection, accountability and human dignity.
He further pledged that the committee would carry out its responsibilities through extensive consultation, careful assessment of existing practices and consideration of workable models that could provide lasting solutions to the challenges associated with Almajiri education and welfare.
The initiative reflects the administrationโs commitment to strengthening the stateโs education and social protection systems and ensuring that children in Kano State have access to quality education, protection and opportunities to develop the skills required for a productive future.