The Jigawa State Government’s decision to commit ₦3.5 billion in its 2026 budget for the development of Tsangaya education has renewed national debate about the future of the traditional Islamic learning system and the welfare of children enrolled in it.
Tsangaya education, which focuses on Qur’anic memorisation and Islamic teachings, has existed for centuries in northern Nigeria and was historically sustained through strong community support. In recent decades, however, the system has struggled with poor funding, weak regulation and limited integration into modern education, leaving many pupils vulnerable to poverty and street begging.
While the state government says the new funding is aimed at improving infrastructure and strengthening Islamic education, education experts and civil society organisations are questioning whether religious instruction alone is enough to prepare the children for life beyond the classroom. Critics argue that any serious reform must go beyond Qur’anic learning and deliberately equip pupils with practical skills that enable them to become economically productive and self-reliant.
There are growing calls for Tsangaya schools to incorporate basic literacy, numeracy and vocational training such as agriculture, tailoring, carpentry, information technology and other technical skills. Analysts say integrating these competencies would not diminish Islamic education but would instead give students the tools to contribute meaningfully to the state’s economy and national development.
Another major concern raised by the renewed focus on Tsangaya education is parental responsibility. For years, many children enrolled in the system have lived far from home under harsh conditions, often relying on street begging to survive. Child rights advocates are asking when parents will be held accountable for the welfare of their children and whether government policies will begin to address parental neglect alongside educational reform.
They argue that without clear accountability measures, government investment alone may fail to address the root causes of the problem. Calls have intensified for stronger enforcement of child protection laws and the introduction of social welfare support for vulnerable families to prevent children from being abandoned under the guise of religious education.
As Jigawa moves forward with its ₦3.5 billion Tsangaya education plan, stakeholders insist that success should be measured not just by funds released or facilities built, but by tangible outcomes, children who are educated, skilled, protected and capable of contributing positively to society. The coming years, they say, will reveal whether the investment marks a turning point or becomes another missed opportunity in addressing one of northern Nigeria’s most persistent social challenges.
#TsangayaEducation #JigawaGovernment
Leave a Reply