Kano state government says it will enrol the over 1,000 repatriated Quranic education pupils, generally known as “Almajiri” into formal schools in line with its free and compulsory education policy.
“Every child in Kano state, including Almajirai must go to school,” Gov Abdullahi Ganduje said Wednesday during media briefing by the State Task Force on COVID-19, held at the Government House, Kano.
According to him, the government had concluded plans to incorporate the children into conventional schools to chart a better future for them.
Ganduje warned that government would not allow Almajiri schools to operate in any part of the state unless they meet some criteria and guidelines.
“If an Almajiri system will be allowed in Kano, there are guidelines which if followed will allow for its continuity.
“These include, having a curriculum that tallies with a formal school system; there must be provision for the Almajiri in terms of their full shelter, food, clothing and all other necessary livelihoods.
“There must be qualified teachers who will be certified by the government through test and examinations.
“If these guidelines are strictly followed and abide by, then we will allow the system to fully operate in Kano,” he assured.
On COVID-19, Ganduje said that the fight against the virus was yielding positive results in the state.
Earlier, Commissioner for Local Government Affairs, Alhaji Murtala Garo, said 723 Almajiri children repatriated from other states had been reunited with their families.
Garo, who chairs the state Almajiri Evacuation Committee, said the 28 Almajiri children who tested positive to coronavirus were receiving treatment in the state.
Almajiri children in a northern street
