* Committee Recommends Legal Framework, Certification, Standardized Curriculum, Teacher Training and Welfare Support
Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, has received the report of the Committee constituted by the State Government to review and propose a comprehensive framework for the regulation and standardization of Tahfeez schools across the State.
The Chairman of the Katsina State Zakat and Waqf Commission, Dr. Ahmad Musa Abdullahi Filin Samji, led members of the Committee to present the report to the Governor.
Presenting the report, Dr. Bashir Ruwan Godiya, a member of the Committee, said the proposed reforms would address unregulated operations, inconsistent curricula, weak monitoring, inadequate certification and welfare challenges affecting Tahfeez schools.
He said the Committee conducted fact-finding visits to Kaduna, Kano, Yobe and Zamfara States, engaged stakeholders across Katsina State and reviewed existing policies and practices to identify approaches suitable for the State.
According to him, the Committee recognised the important role of Tahfeez schools in preserving Islamic heritage, Qur’anic knowledge and moral values, but noted the need to strengthen their regulation, management and educational structure.
“We have looked at the issue of regulation, funding, structure and how the system should be run. All these are provided to ensure that the schools remain functional, properly organised and responsive to current realities and global trends,” he said.
Dr. Ruwan Godiya said the recommendations would provide qualified Qur’anic memorizers with recognised certification, opportunities for higher education and relevant skills to improve their employability in both the public and private sectors.
He noted that other states have established links between Qur’anic memorisation, formal education and certification, with some memorizers progressing to university and postgraduate studies.
“The fact that a child has memorised the Qur’an should not limit his or her opportunities. With the right support, certification and skills, these students can pursue further education and contribute meaningfully to society,” he said.
Among the major recommendations is the transformation of the existing State Islamic Education Bureau into the Katsina State Qur’anic, Arabic and Islamic Education Bureau (QAIEB), with dedicated departments for Qur’anic education, Arabic and Islamic Studies, and school services.
The Committee also recommended a comprehensive database of Almajiri, Islamiyya and Tahfeez schools; certification of qualified Tahfeez graduates; continuous teacher training; improved welfare packages for teachers and students; and the establishment of zonal offices across the three Senatorial Districts.
It further proposed pilot Tahfeez schools in the three Senatorial Zones by strengthening the existing structure in Katsina and establishing additional facilities in the Daura and Funtua Zones.
The Committee called for collaboration with the National Board for Arabic and Islamic Studies (NBAIS), Umaru Musa Yar’Adua University and other relevant institutions and agencies responsible for Almajiri and out-of-school children to strengthen certification, research, documentation and educational progression.
On implementation, Dr. Ruwan Godiya said the Committee proposed a phased approach, beginning with legal and policy reforms, data collection and registration within the first 12 months.
This would be followed by curriculum development, full registration and teacher training, before the enforcement of standards, large-scale certification and integration with broader education programmes.
He stressed the importance of stakeholder sensitisation, noting that the reforms were designed to strengthen the existing system while remaining consistent with Islamic principles.
“We are not trying to do anything that contravenes the Sharia. We are trying to empower the system, make it functional for today and create better opportunities for the students tomorrow,” he said.
Responding to the presentation, Governor Radda thanked the Chairman and members of the Committee for their detailed work and commitment to strengthening Tahfeez education in Katsina State.
He said the recommendations provide important measures for improving the structure, management and effectiveness of Qur’anic education across the State.
“We sincerely thank the Chairman and members of the Committee for a job well done. We will look at the report thoroughly and do justice to the recommendations, Insha Allah,” the Governor said.
Governor Radda said the proposed implementation timeline would be critically reviewed, noting that some of the recommendations could be achieved earlier.
“The timeline needs to be looked at critically because we may be able to achieve some of these things before the proposed timeline. They are possible,” he said.
The Governor added that the State Government would identify recommendations that could be implemented immediately, while putting appropriate structures in place for those requiring longer-term action.
He commended the Committee for its contribution towards strengthening Qur’anic education in Katsina State and assured that the report would receive the necessary attention.
The report was formally presented at the State Executive Council meeting, attended by top government officials and members of the Committee.
