Sequel to the approval granted by the Governor of Katsina State, Dikko Radda, the state’s Bureau of Statistics is set to conduct a general census on Almajiri and Islamiyya schools in the state.

According to the state’s Statistician General, Prof. Saifullahi Sani, who disclosed this in Katsina during a one-day crucial meeting with stakeholders in the state on Thursday, the aim of the census is to plan a strategy for improving the system.

“The objectives of the census include to have a comprehensive database of all Qur’anic Schools and to provide a comprehensive pattern of out-of-school children in the state.

“The objectives are to also ascertain the livelihood status of the pupils, to ascertain their state of origin, to have comprehensive data of the teachers of the schools.

“This is indeed the order to have comprehensive data of the students/ pupils in the sector.

“It’s also to ascertain the number of pupils who are engaged in begging in the state and to assist in understanding the current implementation trends, identifying gaps, and guiding in the development of appropriate interventions,” Sani said.

He revealed at the stakeholders’ meeting which included religious leaders, Islamic school/tsangaya proprietors and traditional leaders, among others, that the outcome of the census would inform interventions and initiate pertinent efforts to transform the present system of Qur’anic education.

According to Sani, the study expects to find an evidence-based middle ground that will dispel the resistance of farmers on cattle colonies, RUGA and pastoral rejection of cattle ranches, inclusive development within the framework of sustainability.

“Katsina State, as in other North Western states of Nigeria, has an agrarian economy with rapid expansion of agro-allied industries. The state is often described as a home of hospitality mirroring a century standing heritage, trade, education and commerce.

“The State has a projected population of 10,336,394 in 2025, comprising children, adults and people with disabilities. The population is projected to increase to 12,033,029 (16.4 per cent) by 2030.

“This points to an increase in vulnerability, climate change, urbanisation, floods and drought with effect on increased disaster management activities,” he stated.