By Alice Etuka, Abuja
The National Commission for Almajiri and Out-of-School Children’s Education (NCAOOSCE) has hinted that plans were underway to incorporate Arabic Studies into its curriculum.
Special Assistant (Media & Communications) to the Executive Secretary/Spokesperson, NCAOOSCE, Nura Muhammad gave the hint in a statement issued on Thursday, May 23, 2024.
According to Muhammad, NCAOOSCE was embarking on this collaboration
with the National Board for Arabic and Islamic Studies (NBAIS) and the Nigeria Arabic Language Village (NALV) to enrich the educational experience of Almajiri students.
He disclosed that the Executive Secretary of NCAOOSCE, Dr. Muhammad Sani Idris made this known at an inter-agency collaborative meeting between the three agencies in Kaduna.
He said with this collaboration, the organisations are committed to ensuring that Almajiri students receive a comprehensive education that includes a deep understanding of Arabic language and Islamic teachings.
“The lack of understanding of the Arabic language among memorizers of the Qur’an can lead to manipulation by selfish individuals.
“When people rely solely on memorization without comprehension, they become vulnerable to misinterpretations and distorted explanations of the Qur’anic verses, prompting them to take up arms against the state.
“Some misguided individuals may also exploit this lack of understanding to promote their own agendas, cherry-picking verses to justify their claims and manipulate followers.” Dr Idris added.
He also said in addition to partnering NBAIS, and NALV in the area of Arabic studies, the National Commission for Almajiri and Out-of- School Children’s Education was also working closely with other relevant agencies to enhance Almajiri education further.
“One of the key focuses is to introduce English language education to Almajiri students, ensuring that they have the necessary skills to thrive in a modern, globalized world.”
The NCAOOSCE Executive Secretary said by collaborating with various agencies, the commission was committed to providing Almajiri students with a well-rounded education that prepares them for success in all aspects of life.
“Products of the Almajiri schools can be enrolled in institutions like the Islamic University of Madina and the Islamic University of Niger, and study courses that would qualify them as workers in the judiciary, foreign missions and in the teaching profession.”
Dr Muhammad Sani Idris appealed to the National Board for Arabic and Islamic Studies, NBAIS to hand over to NCAOOSCE, the Tsangaya Unit of the Board to serve as a learning centre for the reformed almajiri education.
He also said the commission will provide an accelerated learning programme for out-of-school children in the southern part of the country who are into apprenticeship, for them study up to the tertiary level of education.
“We will also collaborate with the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons, NAPTIP to fight against the trafficking of such children, child labour and any form of inhumane treatment.”
Both the Registrar of NBAIS, Prof. Yahuza Imam and the CEO of NALV, Prof. Ibrahim Muhammad pledged their maximum cooperation towards addressing the challenges faced by out-of-school children in Nigeria.
