Zulum Opens Summit to Reform Almajiri Education

By: Michael Mike

Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Zulum has inaugurated a summit aimed at reforming the Almajiri education system.

Almajiri education system is a traditional Islamic method of learning widely obtained across states in northern Nigeria.

The event held at the conference hall of Musa Usman Secretariat was graced by education stakeholders, religious leaders, and community advocates to discuss innovative strategies to integrate the Almajiri system with basic formal education.

The summit provided a platform for participants to discuss issues, share insights and propose actionable solutions to the challenges faced by the Almajiri education system.

Addressing the gathering, Zulum emphasised the need to address the root causes of insecurity through the provision of education for all citizens of Borno, stressing that improper teaching of Islamic studies has contributed to the emergence of Boko Haram insurgents in the state.

He noted that to curtail the adverse effects associated with Almajiri education; Borno State Government has established the Arabic and Sangaya Education Board, introducing a unified curriculum for Sangaya and Islamic schools.

Zulum also stated that the reform includes establishing Higher Islamic Colleges that cater specifically to Almajiri children, blending religious and secular curricula and equipping them with skills vital for their personal development and future employment opportunities.

He noted that: “The Sangaya Reform is a great development and will give Almajiri a better chance in life, particularly the introduction of integrating western education, vocational, numeracy and literacy skills into the centres, which are also described as Almajiri and Islamic schools.”

He said: “Distinguished guests and esteemed educationists, government’s intention was to streamline the informal and
formal education systems to quality integrated Sangaya school for admission into colleges and universities.”

Speaking earlier, the Chairman of Borno State Arabic and Sangaya Education Board, Shiekh Arabi Abulfatahi, expressed gratitude to the governor for giving the board the necessary support in discharging its duties.

The guest speakers, Professor Mustapha Gwadabe from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, and Professor Mohammed Alhaji from the University of Maiduguri, stressed the urgent need for a comprehensive overhaul of the Almajiri system.

Zulum Opens Summit to Reform Almajiri Education

FG Calls for Collaborate with NGOs on Circular Economy Education and Awareness

By: Michael Mike

The Minister of Environment, Mallam Balarabe Lawal has called on Non- Governmental Organisations (NGOs) to partner with the Federal Government in creating awareness on Circular Economy.

The Minister made the call in his speech at the sensitization of NGOs on Circular Economy organized by the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) with the support of the European Union in Abuja, the nation’s capital.

Represented by the Director General of NESREA, Dr. Innocent Barikor, the Minister said circular economy provides a pathway towards sustainable development, hence the need to build the necessary synergy to ensure the country enjoy the benefits of Circular Economy which is implemented in the country through the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Programme.

Lawal particularly drew attention to the need to create more awareness on the menace of single-use plastics and highlighted the significant steps already taken by government to provide the policy and regulatory framework to tackle the problem.

He noted that: “The Draft National Guidelines for the implementation of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for plastic packaging, 2024 and the Draft National Environmental (Plastic Waste Control) Regulations, 2024 have been developed, nationwide campaigns are on going, and the government is collaborating with stakeholders to promote sustainable alternatives.”

Addressing the NGOs, the Minister stressed that: “As leaders in your communities, you are positioned to champion the message of circular economy, educating the public on the importance of reducing, reusing, and recycling plastic waste. We look to you to inspire behavior change, advocate for sustainable practices, and hold stakeholders accountable.”

He further stated that the sensitization exercise was to equip NGOs, who play an important role in community outreach, education, and grassroots action.

In a presentation titled, “Concepts of Circular Economy and Strategies for Implementation, EU Facilitator, Mrs. Agharese Onaghiase said circular economy was hinged on the principles of product redesign, waste reduction, reuse and recycling.

She urged NGOs to educate communities, collaborate with authorities on circular economy initiatives; contribute to innovative solutions through research, development and piloting initiatives and support economic empowerment for communities to advance circular economy principles.

FG Calls for Collaborate with NGOs on Circular Economy Education and Awareness

ECOWAS Court Orders Togo to Remedy Violation of Citizen’s Right to Fair Trial

By: Michael Mike

The ECOWAS Court of Justice, has ruled in favor of Mr. Kessei Menveinoyou, a Togolese citizen, finding that the Togolese Republic violated his right to a fair and timely appeal under Article 7(1) of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.

The Applicant, Mr. Kessei Menveinoyou, a driver residing in Lomé, submitted an employment dispute with the Togolese Ministry of Health to a Labour Court in Lomé in 2015. After an initial judgment by the Labour Court in favour of the Ministry, he filed an appeal in 2016.

However, according to Mr. Menveinoyou, the Registrar of the Labour Court in Lomé neglected to transmit his appeal to the appropriate appellate court for hearing, resulting in an unreasonable delay of about eight years. He contended that this inaction contravened his fundamental right to have his appeal heard within a reasonable time.

The Togolese Republic objected to the ECOWAS Court’s jurisdiction, arguing that the matter fell within Togo’s domestic legal framework. However, the Court dismissed this objection, clarifying that it has jurisdiction over cases alleging violations of international human rights instruments binding on ECOWAS member states.

In the Judgment delivered by Justice Edward Amoako Asante, the Judge Rapporteur, the Court held that as a party to the African Charter, Togo has a legal obligation to uphold the right to fair trial for all its citizens. Therefore, the failure of the Togolese judicial authorities to transmit the Applicant’s appeal to the relevant appellate court violated his right to a fair trial within a reasonable time.

The Court ordered the Togolese Republic to pay Mr. Menveinoyou Five Million CFA Francs (5,000,000 CFA) in damages. It also directed the Respondent State to take the necessary legal or administrative steps to expedite the processing and hearing of the Applicant’s appeal before the appropriate national court.

The three-member panel of the Court were Honourable Justice Ricardo Cláudio Monteiro Gonçalves (presiding judge), Honorable Justice Gberi-Bè Ouattara (panel member), and Honorable Justice Edward Amoako Asante (judge rapporteur).

ECOWAS Court Orders Togo to Remedy Violation of Citizen’s Right to Fair Trial