The National Board for Arabic and Islamic Studies (NBAIS), in collaboration with the Fati Lami Abubakar Institute for Legal and Administrative Studies (FLAILAS), has initiated a training program aimed at equipping teachers of Islamiyya schools (Tsangaya School System) with basic western education skills.
Sheikh Hussaini Abubakar Shakwata, Chairman of the Niger State Huffazul Qur’an and Islamic Scholars, announced this initiative during an interview with journalists in Minna on Tuesday. He revealed that the board had previously engaged with leaders from all 19 northern states to discuss the program, which many had doubted would materialize due to unfulfilled promises from other organizations in the past.
Sheikh Shakwata praised the program as a long-awaited development, expressing optimism that it would be effectively utilized. He reported that over 70 members have already registered, with more showing interest.
The training, conducted by qualified instructors from FLAILAS, aims to help participants integrate more effectively into society. Sheikh Shakwata noted that while their members possess extensive knowledge of the Qur’an and can impart it to the younger generation, they often lack formal certification.
He encouraged members to pursue further education beyond the certificate course, aiming for degrees that would place them on par with teachers in formal education settings. Additionally, he called on state and local governments to sponsor members willing to acquire western education, enhancing their ability to serve their communities and educate the youth under their care.