Usman Umar Girei
A coalition of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) has called on the government and relevant educational bodies to recognize and integrate the Tsangaya system of education into the broader educational framework. They also emphasized the need for gender-inclusive policies to ensure equal opportunities for all.
This appeal was made during a one-day event in Yola, where training manuals on Gender-Responsive Education Sector Planning and Tsangaya Reformation were unveiled. The event, organized by several prominent NGOs, including the Forum for African Women Educationalists (FAWE) and Plan International, aimed to address key issues facing the education sector.
Delivering the keynote address, renowned educational expert and Special Assistant on Good Governance to His Excellency Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, Dr. Adamu Babikkoi, stressed the urgent need to reform the Tsangaya system. He highlighted that the sector has faced significant challenges in recent years, affecting its effectiveness in delivering quality education to students.
Dr. Babikkoi outlined several critical roles for civil society organizations (CSOs) and NGOs in the education reform process. These include advocating for policy changes, providing technical assistance, raising community awareness, empowering marginalized groups, and monitoring and evaluating progress to ensure accountability.
He further emphasized the essential roles of other stakeholders, including government agencies, religious leaders, and the private sector. Dr. Babikkoi urged these groups to offer policy support, oversight, and financial backing to ensure sustainable educational reforms.
Commending the current administration, Dr. Babikkoi acknowledged the government’s efforts to foster stronger partnerships between CSOs, religious leaders, and the private sector in driving unifying educational reforms across the state.
In their separate remarks, key stakeholders such as Malam Aminu Umar, Executive Secretary of the Adamawa State Agency for Mass Education, and former General Manager of ATV Yola, expressed their deep appreciation for organizing the event. They also lauded the presentation of the new training manual, which will guide the effective integration of Western and Tsangaya systems of education, ensuring a holistic approach to learning.
The unveiling of these training manuals represents a significant step towards reforming the Tsangaya education system and ensuring that gender-responsive strategies are implemented to create an inclusive and progressive educational environment.
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