Neglect Plagues Integrated Quranic Basic Education Centers in Niger State
According to findings, the initiative aimed to teach subjects like English Language, Mathematics, Computer Studies, Basic Science, Physical and Health Education, Vocational Studies, and Social Studies alongside Islamic Religion subjects.
AKACHI NOEL 
The Integrated Quranic Basic Education initiative, originally envisioned to blend Quranic and Western education for out-of-school children, particularly Almajiri in Northern Nigeria during President Goodluck Jonathan's tenure, now faces neglect in Niger State.
According to findings, the initiative aimed to teach subjects like English Language, Mathematics, Computer Studies, Basic Science, Physical and Health Education, Vocational Studies, and Social Studies alongside Islamic Religion subjects.
Despite the laudable objectives, neglect and lack of funding have plagued the 11 centers across Niger State since 2015. Challenges include dilapidated structures, inadequate feeding for pupils, abandonment of implementation committees, and security concerns, leading to declining enrollment and the closure of some centers.
In January 2024, a devastating fire destroyed 12 classrooms at the Integrated Quranic Basic Education Centre in Kwanayi village, highlighting the dire situation. Poor infrastructure, lack of access roads, and inadequate facilities exacerbate the difficulties faced by these centers.
The Head Teacher of the Almajiri School in Kwanayi, Rabiu Isyaku, lamented the decline in pupil enrollment due to security challenges and the remote location of the school without electricity. Lack of funding for feeding programs further compounds the problem, forcing the center to operate as a day school.
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Moreover, inadequate amenities, including lack of electricity and basic facilities for teachers' accommodation, hinder effective operation. The neglect extends to the secretariat overseeing these centers, with termites destroying the infrastructure.
Efforts by the Emir of Suleja-led implementation committee to address these issues have been futile, as the state government allegedly neglected their pleas for funding and support. Despite previous allocations, funds for the centers were reportedly never released, leading to their decline.The dire state of these centers contrasts with their initial promise and highlights the urgent need for government intervention to revive and sustain integrated Quranic education in Niger State.
