Jigawa’s Progress in Implementing Modern Tsangaya Schools

Former President Goodluck Jonathan’s introduction of modern Tsangaya schools in 2012, aimed at absorbing out-of-school children commonly known as ‘Almajirai’ across northern Nigeria, was met with resistance by conservative Islamic clerics like Alaramma Illiyasu. However, Jigawa State is now making strides in implementing this federal initiative to modernise Islamic education, Premium Times Nigeria reported on November 1, 2026.

According to the report, the state government is actively working to ensure the successful implementation of the modern Tsangaya schools. This shift in approach comes after the initial resistance from conservative Islamic clerics, who were concerned that the modernisation of Islamic education would undermine traditional teaching methods.

It remains unclear how other northern states are responding to the federal initiative, but Jigawa’s progress suggests that efforts are being made to address the almajiri challenge. The success of this initiative could have significant implications for education and social development in northern Nigeria.