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| Vice president Namadi Sambo |
The Federal Government says its investment in over 125 almajiri model schools is yielding positive results across the country.
Vice president Namadi Sambo said this in Abuja at the launching of N1.9 billion appeal fund for the construction of an International Islamic Centre in Abuja.
The appeal fund was organised by the Sheik Dahiru Bauchi Foundation.
Sambo said that President Goodluck Jonathan’s led administration embarked on the construction of the almajiri model school 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 Almajirai 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 almajirai 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 said.
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 sheath 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 that the construction of the centre by the foundation was a demonstration of the fact that Islam encouraged the pursuit of knowledge and scholarship.
He, therefore, urged other clerics to emulate Sheik Dahiru Bauchi by embarking on the construction of schools to promote the acquisition of both Islamic and western education.
Tambuwal, who commended him for his immense contributions in the Islamic world, enjoined him to document all his works for the benefit of the Muslim Ummah across the country and beyond.
The chairman of the occasion and Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, advocated for unity among the diverse Islamic sects in the country.
He said that the call had become imperative of view of the security challenges facing the country.
Abubakar, who ordered for special prayers for the souls of late Emirs of Kano, Gombe and Gwoza, called on Muslim faithful to always pray for peace and progress of Nigeria at any occasion, within and outside the country.
The chairman, organising committee of the event and Walin Katagum, Amb. Adamu Aliyu, announced that followers of Sheik Dahiru Bauchi in the 19 northern states were expected to contribute a minimum of N100 million per state, towards the realisation of the project.
According to him, each of the affected persons will be contributing N1,000 to the foundation.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that those in attendance included the governors of Kaduna and Zamfara States as well as friends and followers of the Islamic scholar.
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