By Najib Adamu
As part of his contributions to address the problems associated with Almajiri system of education in northern Nigeria, Rochas Okorocha through his foundation, Rochas Foundation, has disclosed plans to build modern Almajiri schools (Tsangaya) in six northern states.
The foundation’s Chief of Staff and former deputy governor of Bauchi State, Abdulmalik Mahmud, made the disclosure Monday while receiving the leader of Tijjaniya Islamic sect in Africa, Sheikh Ahmad Mahi-Nyass, who visited Rochas Foundation College, Bauchi.
Mr Mahmud said the selected states include Bauchi, Kano, Katsina, Yobe, Borno and Zamfara, adding that the schools would combine both Qur’anic and western education.
According to him, insecurity has linkage with illiteracy, calling for all hands to be on deck to address the menace.
Also speaking, the principal of the foundation college, Sarah Johnson, explained that the school was established with the purpose of educating children of the poorest parents in the state.
According to her, the school enrolls the less privileged children free of charge, adding that the foundation provides uniforms, bags and instructional materials freely to the pupils.
Mrs Sarah said the college was established in the state in 2017 with 150 pupils, noting that the number of the children have now increased to 461.
She said: “So far, over 4,000 graduated from Rochas Foundation colleges nationwide and some of them have become doctors, lawyers, etc. now.”
Earlier in his remarks, Mr Mahi-Nyass hailed Senator Rochas Okorocha for building such a school in the state for the benefit of Muslims children, despite him being a Christian.
He also appreciated the foundation for the idea to construct modern schools for the Almajiris, tasking other wealthy people to emulate Mr Rochas.
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