We’re recording success from Almajiri model schools —FG

THE Federal Government has said its investment in the over 125 Almajiri Model Schools is yielding positive results across the country. Vice President Namadi Sambo said this in Abuja at the launch of N1.9 billion appeal fund for the construction of International Islamic Centre in Abuja. The appeal fund was organised by the Sheik Dahiru Bauchi Foundation. Sambo said President Goodluck Jonathan-led administration embarked on the construction of the Almajiri model schools because of the high premium it placed on education and learning. “Pursuant to this philosophy, we have widened the horizon of education by evolving the Almajiri Model of education into the mainstream of the western educational system in the country. “We have vigorously pursued this by the establishment of more than 125 Almajiri Model Schools across the country, equipping them with state-of-the-art learning and teaching facilities to fast-track the acquisition of both spiritual, western and moral education under the same roof. “This model has recorded great successes across the country.” He further said that 12 new federal universities were established as part of deliberate efforts to ensure ‘’an even and balanced educational development’’ across the country. “We have established 12 new federal universities; nine of which are in the northern part of the country,” the vice president said. Sambo commended the proprietor of the foundation for his efforts in promoting the pursuit of knowledge by Muslim faithful. “The establishment of an Islamic centre at this point in our nation’s history is apt, considering the increasing popularity of Islamic centres in the propagation of the noble tenets of Islam, promotion of peace and understanding amongst adherents,” he added. He expressed the hope that the centre would help in offering assistance to the needy and destitute, as well as in the pursuit of knowledge and scholarship. According to him, knowledge is a prerequisite for the creation of a just world in which peace can thrive. On the activities of Boko Haram group, Sambo called on the insurgents to stop all insurgency acts and sheathe their swords and embrace peace. He reminded them of the fact that Islam was rooted in peace as stated in the Qur’an. In his remarks, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Alhaji Aminu Tambuwal, said the construction of the centre by the foundation was a demonstration of the fact that Islam encouraged the pursuit of knowledge and scholarship.