The Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board in partnership with the Universal Basic Education Commission, Department of Special Programmes, has proposed an integrated scheme of basic western education and Quranic education by working with some existing Islamic schools to provide structured and conducive centres for Islamic Studies and basic western education.

This scheme is expected to curb the proliferation of Almajiri on streets within the State.

The bodies have also set up a State Implementation Team (SIT) for the implementation of the project. The team includes the State Chairman of Almajiri Education programme, SBMC Chairman, SUBEB IQTE Desk Officer, SUBEB Engineer, SUBEB Mobilization Officer and State Technical Coordinator.

The Representative of UBEC at the strategy meeting, Mr. Ibrahim Yusuf, said that the project will target more than fifteen Islamic centres known as Makaranta/Ile Kewu. Through the scheme, challenges facing the centres will be identified and necessary interventions will be given, including providing nutritious meals for the pupils and providing adequate infrastructure at the centres.

He explained that Makaranta/Ile-kewu that will benefit from this scheme are those with adequate land with proof of ownership for expansion, willingness to accept the introduction of Basic Education subjects such as Mathematics, English, Social Studies and Basic Science, and who are ready to deploy the services of Basic Education teachers.

Yusuf also noted that the centres must be registered with the Government Agency in charge of Almajiri Education. They will be required to open a bank account for the proper monitoring of funds and amongst other requirements for maximum effectiveness.

He added that the implementation committee will sensitise communities, provide authentic statistical data of out-of-school children, liaise between the centres and communities, implement the project and ensure that the project is executed based on the stipulated design of the Board.

The Chairman of SIT, Dr Saheed Ibikunle, a Permanent Board Member in SUBEB, disclosed that the established team had already identified 5 Islamic schools and are still on the lookout for more.

He expressed confidence that LASUBEB is ready to collaborate with more Islamic centres in kick-starting the implementation of the project.