As part of his contributions to address the problems associated with Almajiris in the north, Senator Rochas Okorocha through his foundation ‘Rochas foundation’ has disclosed plan to build modern ‘tsangaya schools’ (Almajiri schools) in six northern states.
Chief of staff of the foundation and former deputy governor of Bauchi state Alhaji Abdulmalik Mahmud made the disclosure Monday when the leader of Tijjaniya Islamic sect in Africa Sheikh Ahmad Tijjani Nyass visited Rochas foundation college Bauchi.
He said the selected states include Bauchi, Kano, Katsina, Yobe, Borno and Zamfara, adding that the schools will combine both qur’anic and western education so that the Almajiris can access formal education.
According to him, insecurity has linkage with illiteracy saying all hands should be put on deck to address the menace.
Also speaking, the principal of Rochas foundation college Bauchi Mrs Sarah Johnson explained that the school was established with the purpose of educating children of the poorest parents in the state.
According to her, the school enrolls the less privileged children free of charge adding that the foundation provides uniforms, bags and instructional materials freely to the pupils.
Sarah said the college was established in the state in 2017 with 150 pupils noting that the number of the children have now increased to 461.
“So far, over 4, 000 graduated from Rochas foundation colleges nationwide and some of them have become doctors, lawyers etc now”. She claimed.
In his remarks, the African leader of the Tijjaniya Islamic sect Sheikh Ahmad Tijjani Nyass hailed senator Rochas for building such school in the state for the benefit of muslims children despite his religious difference.
He also appreciated the foundation for the idea to construct modern schools for the Almajiris asking other wealthy people to emulate Mr Rochas.
