The Gombe State government has released another batch of 153 Almajirai children who tested negative to coronavirus after the required two-week quarantine period at their Amada facility in the state’s Akko Local Government Area.
Governor Inuwa Yahaya, who was at the quarantine center to mark the 2020 Children’s Day celebration with the children preparing to depart for their respective communities, said his government is committed to prioritizing basic education through sustained funding for both Western and Islamic education systems.
Governors in the northern state recently moved to abolish the region’s almajiri system.
Within the Islamic religious education scheme, children are pooled into Quranic schools from different locations and live as they beg for food and alms on the streets.
Amid the coronavirus pandemic, the governors of the northern states expelled the almajiris and repatriated those whose parents came from other states.
Many of the street kids across the north searching for Islamic knowledge have been infected with the deadly coronavirus in recent days as state governments frenziedly scramble to return them to their respective states.
The governor noted that no one can handle a child better than his parents, as such the government will ensure that the indigenous almajiris returned from different states are reunited with members of their family.
“These children deserve to achieve anything in life if given the desired care and attention. I assure that our administration will support them to attain their goals through a sound western and Islamic education.”
“In fact, we are committed to bequeathing a good future for them. We shall provide structures and facilities that can accommodate them and take care of their basic needs so that they can learn and attain their goals like every other child. Education is a right and not a privilege”.
The governor urged the children to nurse and follow their dreams of a bright future, citing Ibrahim Pantami, a federal republic minister as one of the tsangaya system ‘s products that accepted Western education and became a shining example.
Later, education commissioner Habu Dahiru said the 153 Almajiris who had been discharged from the quarantine camp were those who had returned from the Adamawa and Bauchi states and were indigenous to the local government areas of Dukku, Nafada, Balanga and Yamaltu Deba.
He revealed there are currently 13 almajirai waiting in the camp for their second test results.
The Commissioner disclosed that since its establishment, the camp has reported a total of 684 men, including 377 almajiris and 307 travelers detained, adding that 671 have received a clean health bill so far and have been discharged after a second negative test.
Yusuf Danbayo, Deputy Camp Director, described the camp condition as suitable for children, with the children taking good meals and having access to Qur’anic education, as well as enjoying the recreational facilities there.
He said the two weeks stay at the quarantine center was recreational, and all the basic things they needed during their stay were given to them.
All the 153 discharged Almajirai is kitted with new clothing , shoes and bags containing educational materials and are to be incorporated into a formal education program in their respective localities under the Basic Education Service Delivery for All (BESDA).
