The Katsina government is set to establish a legal framework to regulate and standardise Tahfeez schools, following recommendations from a state review committee.

The recommendations were presented to Governor Dikko Radda on Wednesday during the State Executive Council meeting by the committee reviewing Tahfeez school operations statewide.

Committee member Bashir Ruwan-Godiya said the reforms would address unregulated operations, inconsistent curricula, weak monitoring, and inadequate certification systems.

Mr Ruwan-Godiya said the committee, chaired by Ahmad Filin Samji, visited Kaduna, Kano, Yobe and Zamfara to study existing models. He said stakeholders across Katsina were also consulted, while existing policies and practices were reviewed to develop a suitable framework.

According to him, Tahfeez schools preserve Islamic heritage, Qur’anic knowledge and moral values, but require stronger regulation and educational structures.

He said the reforms would enable qualified Qur’anic memorisers to obtain recognised certification, pursue higher education and improve employment prospects.

“The fact that a child has memorised the Qur’an should not limit his or her opportunities. With the right support, certification and skills, these students can pursue further education and contribute meaningfully to society,” Mr Ruwan-Godiya said.

The committee recommended transforming the State Islamic Education Bureau into the Katsina State Qur’anic, Arabic and Islamic Education Bureau. It also proposed dedicated departments for Qur’anic education, Arabic and Islamic Studies, alongside school services under the new bureau.

Other recommendations included creating a database of Almajiri, Islamiyya and Tahfeez schools and certifying qualified graduates.

The committee also proposed continuous teacher training, improved welfare packages for teachers and students, and zonal offices across the state.

It recommended piloting Tahfeez schools in the three senatorial districts by strengthening facilities in the Katsina, Daura, and Funtua zones.

Mr Ruwan-Godiya said collaboration with the National Board for Arabic and Islamic Studies, Umaru Musa Yar’Adua University and other agencies was proposed. He said such partnerships would strengthen certification, research, documentation and educational progression for Qur’anic students.

The committee proposed phased implementation, beginning with legal reforms, data collection and registration during the first 12 months. Subsequent phases would cover curriculum development, teacher training, standards enforcement, certification and integration with wider education programmes.

Mr Radda commended the committee for its efforts to strengthen Qur’anic education across the state. He said the recommendations provided important measures to improve the structure, management, and effectiveness of Qur’anic education.

“We sincerely thank the chairman and members of the committee for a job well done. We will look at the report thoroughly and do justice to the recommendations, Insha Allah,” Mr Radda said.

The governor, however, directed a review of the implementation timeline, noting that some recommendations could be executed earlier.

(NAN)