In a proactive move to combat the extremist ideology of Boko Haram, Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has announced the transformation of the Mustapha Umar Elkanemi Arabic (Teachers) College in Maiduguri into a specialized institute focused on Arabic and Islamic education. The Governor unveiled this strategic initiative during an inspection visit to the college on Tuesday.
The conversion of the college into an institute is a response to the ongoing threat posed by Boko Haram, a militant group notorious for its violent opposition to education and its promotion of a radical and misguided interpretation of Islam.
Upon its establishment, the newly-formed institute will collaborate closely with Egypt’s prestigious Al-Azhar University in Cairo. Its primary objective will be to produce graduates who will subsequently return to Borno’s 27 local government areas to disseminate teachings that counter the extremist ideas propagated by Boko Haram.
Governor Zulum articulated his vision during the inspection, stating, “We are here to assess the school’s human resources and infrastructure to transform it into the Al-Azhar Institute. Our goal is to ensure that every student, upon graduating from this institute, possesses fluency in Arabic and a profound understanding of Islamic knowledge. Admission to this institute will be open to students from all 27 local government areas, enabling them to propagate peace. We are determined to prevent a recurrence of the experiences of the past decade.”
In a parallel development, Governor Zulum has issued a directive for the newly established Borno State Arabic and Tsangaya Education Board to assume administrative responsibility for all Tsangaya and Islamic Schools in Borno State. This move underscores the government’s commitment to enhancing Islamic education in the region and fostering a more inclusive and peaceful society.
