Malam Ibrahim Shekarau, former Governor of Kano State,?has called ?on the Federal Government to ensure adequate ?public enlightenment and restructuring of the newly?launched Al-Mmajiri school system.
?Shekarau, who made the ?call at the closing ceremony of the 2012 Nigerian Muslims and Democracy Conference in Abuja on Sunday, said?proper knowledge and restructuring of the system would ensure its success.
He said there was a need for the government to empower and carry the teachers (Ulamas) of the Al-majiri schools along in the design and teaching of the school curriculum.
He said that the government needed to embark on more public awareness on the scheme because some individuals were still skeptical about the scheme and its impact.
The former governor said government did not need to erect massive structures for the?schools to take off,?but had to equip the teachers and create an enabling environment for teaching and learning.
“We don’t have to build big schools equipped with chairs and tables before the scheme takes off.
“ What is important is to empower the Ulamas (teachers) and create the conducive atmosphere for teaching and learning,’’ he said.
He called for qualitative and holistic educational system, especially?in the North for the region to overcome the economic and security challenges facing it.
He decried the over-population of most schools in the country, and called on government and stakeholders in the sector to address the issue.
He called for a review and proper implementation?of the Universal Basic Education scheme to achieve the aim for which it was set up.
Earlier, Malam Ibrahim Ahmed of the Muslim Professional and Intellectual Organisation, highlighted the need for Muslims to acquire both Islamic and western education to fit into the present society.
He described lack of education, poverty, unemployment, corruption and bad leadership as the major problems facing the country.?
It will be recalled that President Goodluck Jonthan launched the Al-Majiri model school in Sokoto on Tuesday.?
The two-day conference with the theme, “The Political Future of Muslims in Democratic Nigeria’’ was attended by Islamic scholars, politicians, the academia, civil servants and Muslims from all walks of life. (NAN)