Sokoto state government has moved closer to adopting and domesticating the Indonesian Pondock education system.
The state governor, Aminu Tambuwal gave the assurance at the closing ceremony of the two-day technical workshop on the adoption and domestication of the Indonesian Pondock system into the Almajiri Nizzamyyah education in Sokoto on Saturday.
Expressing his delight by the conduct and successful completion of this workshop, the governor stressed that such programs and other related activities were indications that the state’s almajiri education initiative is recording success in the state.
“I am therefore, gladdened by this progress and wish to reassure you of the commitment of the current administration to the development of education in the state. This is evidenced by the series of activities and programmes, all geared towards uplifting of the educational standard in the state, including almajiri education.
“The first step in this drive is our declaration of the state of emergency on education in 2017. This produced a blueprint that guided the establishment of new schools, a successful student enrolment campaign and other projects executed through the Sokoto State Consultative Committee on Education Development,” Tambuwal stated.
The governor however assured that the domestication of the new system is not aimed at banning the traditional one but integrating Qur’anic studies into conventional studies and character development.
“I would like to make it clear that the adoption of the new almajiri system is in no way meant to ban the traditional system. It is rather, aimed at integrating Qur’anic studies into conventional studies and character development. And the journey so far, make us optimistic that the programme will, insha Allah succeed.
“I assure you of government’s implementation of the recommendations of the last stakeholder’s summit of February 17, 2021, as long as they will lead to the realization of our objective of reformation of the Almajiri system in Sokoto state,” he further stressed.
Tambuwal commended Sultan Sa’ad Abubakar, chairman of the state Zakkat Commission, Lawal Maidoki; UNICEF, UBEC, Indonesian Ambassador to Nigeria and others who contributed in the process of the domestication.
“I find it absolutely important at this point, to express my immense gratitude to His Eminence, the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji (Dr.) Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, CFR, mni, for his active involvement not only in the formulation of the new Almajiri Education System but also his contribution to the development of education in the state.
“Let me also commend the Chairman of the Organizing Committee of this programme, Lawal Maidoki and Chairman Zakkat and Endowment Committee, the Executive Secretary Arabic and Islamic Board, their members and staff for their commitment to the success of this programme
“The UNICEF officials are also worthy of commendation for their commitment, not only to the realization of the new Almajiri education model but also for their general interventions in the education sector in our state.
“I should also mention all other partners in this program and other areas of development.
“Similarly, I want extend our gratitude to our special guests who, in spite of their heavy schedules, have endeavored to honor our invitation and grace this occasion.
“Allow me to recognize Maryam Uwais MFR, Special Adviser to the President on Social Investment, Dr. Hameed Bobboyi, Executive Secretary, Universal Basic Education Commission, His Excellency, the Indonesian Ambassador to Nigeria, our resource persons and all distinguished personalities that came and supported us,” Tambuwal stated.
