The Kwara state government has promised to implement the report on the Arabic Schools following the investigation of corporal punishment meted out to some student of an Arabic school in Ganmo.
Presenting the report to Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq , the Chairman of the committee and former Grand Kadi of the State, Justice Idris Haroon said their recommendations included an appeal to the government to immediately set up the Arabic Board to regulate the activities of Arabic and Islamic schools.
“One of the most important recommendations which the committee wants Your Excellency to pay attention to is the reconstitution of the Arabic Education Board as the immediate solution to most of the problems confronting Arabic Schools in the state,” he said.
The 11 member Committee frowned at the magnitude and manner in which the punishment was carried out at the Arabic school and said steps must be taken to ensure that corrective measures are moderate and better implemented.
Justice Haroon commended the government for its proactive measures on the development.
He said the committee was inaugurated on the 15th of October and met with stakeholders,including parents ,students and proprietors of Arabic schools.
“Altogether, the Committee had 13 sittings; nine sittings at the Conference Hall, Kwara State Ministry of Energy, Ilorin, one at the premises of Misbaudeen Arabic School, Ganmo, and three in other places within the community.
“In the course of the sittings, the committee interacted with the Management, Staff and students of the school. It also held sessions with the parents/guardians of the affected students and some members of the host community,” he said.
The State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq commended the committee members for accepting the call to serve the people of the state.
Setting up Arabic Board
The Governor said the government would study and implement the report for the benefits of the society, including the setting up of the Arabic Board.
He stated that government understood the delicate nature of the issues involved, hence “we chose to invite experts in the field to look into the issue. We are glad that within the very short period you have come with your report. The government will diligently look into your report.”
Members of the committee were: retired Justice Idris Haroon (chairman); Honourable Commissioner for Education and Human Capital Development Hajia Sa’adatu Modibbo Kawu; Special Assistant to the Governor on Religion (Islam) Alhaji Ibrahim Dan Maigoro; Professor Hamzat Abdulraheem; Professor Badmus Yusuf; Professor Ali Agan; Dr. Mohammed Ghali Alaya; Dr. Saudat AbdulBaqi; Hajia Balikis Oladimeji of the Federation of Muslim Women Associations of Nigeria (FOMWAN); Mallam Lawal Olohungbebe; and Dr AbdulHameed Sanni (Secretary).
Confidence Okwuchi
