Katsina Governor Unveils Scholarship Plan for Qur’an Memorisation Scholars

Governor Dikko Umar Radda of Katsina State has announced a new scholarship package for indigenes who have successfully memorised the Holy Qur’an and meet academic requirements to study professional courses such as Medicine and Nursing.

The governor made the pledge on Monday during a stakeholders’ forum in Katsina, where discussions centred on reforming the Almajiri and Islamiyya school systems.

Radda explained that any qualified indigene who has mastered the Qur’an and obtained at least five O’level credits will enjoy full government sponsorship throughout their medical or nursing studies. He described Qur’an memorisers as people of great intellectual depth, likening them to professors.

Beyond scholarships, the governor revealed that the state would soon introduce competitions for Qur’anic writers under the coordination of the Islamic Education Bureau. He also reiterated his campaign promise to establish Qur’anic recitation schools, noting that the first institution is expected to be launched before the end of 2025.

On the broader issue of street begging linked to the Almajiri system, Radda urged stakeholders to join forces with government in finding lasting solutions. He assured Tsangaya school proprietors that his administration was committed to working with them in improving teaching standards and creating better learning conditions.

Several scholars at the meeting presented ideas to strengthen the reform process. Former Minister of Communications, Prof. Isah Ali Pantami, called for the introduction of vocational and technical skills into the curriculum to empower students with practical abilities that could reduce dependence on begging.

Islamic scholar Prof. Mansir Ibrahim-Sokoto also pushed for a structured curriculum that allows Qur’an memorisers to graduate with recognised certificates. Similarly, Sheikh Nasir Dahiru-Bauchi advised that Tsangaya school proprietors should always be part of government decisions concerning reforms, while Sheikh Ibrahim Daurawa emphasised that Qur’an scholars can excel in any academic discipline when provided the right support.

Contributing further, Prof. Umar Alkali from the University of Maiduguri pointed out that earlier attempts to merge Qur’anic and Western education in 2012 faced setbacks due to poor teacher integration, weak funding, and lack of proper maintenance. He urged that these gaps be carefully addressed to achieve a sustainable and widely accepted reform.