By Mohammed Dauda Eibo
Photo : Registrar/CEO, NBAIS, Professor Suleiman Yahuza Imam.
The National Board for Arabic and Islamic Studies (NBAIS), in collaboration with the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), has successfully concluded four (4) training and sensitization programs aimed at improving the quality of Tsangaya education in Nigeria.
In a statement issued in Kaduna by the Agency’s Head, Information and Protocol, Muazu Yunusa Sambo Esq, says these initiatives are funded under the 2022 and 2023 UBEC Special Intervention Fund, focused on enhancing the capacity- building for Tsangaya teachers and managers, aimed at achieving the Federal Government’s objective of Integrating Tsangaya and Qur’anic Education (IQTE) into the conventional system of education.
The training/sensitization programs were carried out in 4 locations, as follows:
1. Bauchi (September 28-29, 2024)
A two-day training program held in Bauchi, Bauchi State, at the Conference Hall of the Bauchi Central Mosque. The focus was on improving teaching methodologies and curriculum knowledge for Tsangaya educators.
The event, attended by 200 Tsangaya teachers, was delivered in Arabic, English and Hausa, thereby ensuring the intended messages were well imparted.
Key topics include modern teaching techniques, entrepreneurial opportunities and strategies for community engagement.
The training also provided valuable insights into skills development and local business opportunities for participants.
Dignitaries, including representatives from NBAIS and UBEC, the Emir of Bauchi, and the Bauchi State Pilgrims Welfare Board. The initiative attracted strong commendations. Feedback from participants indicated a greater understanding of effective teaching and community involvement. Trainers recommended continuous funding to sustain program, increased government support, and fostering local business linkages for entrepreneurial growth.
Niger (October 24-25, 2024)
In Minna, Niger State, over 250 participants attended the two-day program aimed at modernizing Tsangaya education. Sessions included discussions on the role of traditional leaders, addressing security and economic challenges through Islamic education, and integrating Tsangaya schools into Nigeria’s formal education system.
The training, delivered in Arabic, English and Hausa languages. There was positive feedback from participants, who noted the relevance of the sessions in addressing contemporary educational challenges.
Recommendations for future training include establishing skills acquisition centers for Tsangaya teachers and creating a certification program to formalize qualifications. Additionally, participants urged the government to establish A National Data Bank for tracking almajiri children and renovate Tsangaya schools.
Kaduna (October 30-31, 2024)
A two-day sensitization workshop was similarly held in Kaduna State, focusing on enhancing the understanding of NBAIS’s role in integrating qur’anic education into Nigeria’s broader education system. Over 300 stakeholders, including local government officials, educators, and traditional leaders, attended the event at the Arewa House Conference Hall. Key topics of discussion included curriculum development, the role of stakeholders in advancing Tsangaya education, and the relevance of Tsangaya education for skills acquisition and entrepreneurship.
The sensitization highlighted the need for intensive training for Tsangaya teachers and the establishment of support systems, including allowances and student feeding programs similar to those in conventional schools. Participants also called for a monitoring system to ensure that graduates of NBAIS-certified Tsangaya schools can gain admission into tertiary institutions.
Kano (November 14, 2024)
It was a one-day sensitization workshop, held in Kano, Kano State at Ado Bayero Hall, Rumfa College, with 260 stakeholders in attendance. The workshop focused on NBAIS’s role in educational policy, curriculum development, and the integration of Tsangaya education into Nigeria’s national curriculum. Presentations in Arabic, English and Hausa covered key topics such as the challenges of integrating Tsangaya education and promoting skills acquisition and entrepreneurship.
The event was well-received, with participants expressing a deeper understanding of NBAIS’s objectives. The discussions encouraged greater collaboration among stakeholders to improve Tsangaya education and integrate it into the national system of education.
Conclusion
The series of training programs and sensitization workshops conducted across Bauchi, Niger, Kaduna and Kano represent significant steps towards improving the quality of Tsangaya education in Nigeria. By enhancing the knowledge and skills of Tsangaya teachers, integrating Tsangaya education with the formal education system will eventually be achieved. Also, encouraging stakeholder collaboration and similar initiatives will have a lasting impact on thousands of Tsangaya pupils/students.
Stakeholders emphasized the need for continued support, including ongoing training, financial assistance to Tsangaya teachers, and the development of certification programs. With the positive feedback from participants and experts alike, these programs are seen as pivotal in creating a more inclusive and effective national educational framework that embraces both traditional Islamic education and modern pedagogical practices.
“The NBAIS-UBEC partnership through UBEC Support Fund has laid a strong foundation for the future of Tsangaya education in Nigeria”, the statement concludes.
