Gov Zulum Links Poor Islamic Studies Education To Boko Haram’s Rise

Governor Babagana Umara Zulum of Borno State has attributed the rise of Boko Haram to issues with the traditional teaching of Islamic studies in the region.

Speaking at a summit focused on revamping the Almajiri education system in Borno, he highlighted the need to address these educational practices as a way to prevent extremism.

The summit, held on Wednesday, aimed at overhauling the Almajiri education framework—a longstanding Islamic learning tradition common in northern Nigeria.

Governor Zulum explained that Borno State has created the Arabic and Sangaya Education Board to oversee reforms, establishing a standardized curriculum for Sangaya and Islamic schools.

“The Sangaya Reform is a great development and will give Almajiri a better chance in life, particularly the introduction of integrating western education, vocational, numeracy and literacy skills into the centres, which are also described as Almajiri and Islamic schools,” Zulum said.

“Distinguished guests and esteemed educationists, the government intends to streamline the informal and formal education systems to quality integrated Sangaya school for admission into colleges and universities,” he added.

The summit provides a collaborative forum for experts to discuss challenges and propose practical solutions to enhance the Almajiri educational system.