The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has announced plans to support the modernisation of the Quranic school system as part of a strategic initiative to combat terrorism, violent extremism, and poverty linked to the Almajiri practice.
ECOWAS President, Dr. Omar Alieu Touray, disclosed this at the closing ceremony of the first West African Islamic Conference on Security and Governance, held in Abuja. The event was convened by the ECOWAS Commission in partnership with Jam’iyyatu Ansariddeen Attijaniyya.
Touray said that traditional Quranic schools—known as Tsangaya, Makaranta, or Daara—play a vital role in shaping young minds across West Africa and must be reformed to prevent radicalisation. He warned that the neglect of these institutions leaves teachers and students vulnerable to recruitment by extremist groups.
He added that ECOWAS, in collaboration with the United Nations and other development partners, will implement projects aimed at transforming these schools into centres of learning and economic empowerment.
Touray commended Nigerian President Bola Tinubu for establishing the National Commission for Almajiri and Arab School Children Education, which aims to provide both religious and formal education. He also praised Ghana and Senegal for policies addressing similar challenges.
“The goal is to eradicate forced begging, protect children, and empower Islamic schools to produce productive, well-educated citizens,” Touray said.
He warned that terrorism and violent extremism have taken a heavy toll on the region’s peace and economic growth, citing the 2025 Global Terrorism Index, which identifies Africa as the new hub of global terrorist activities.
Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, who also spoke at the event, urged sustained collaboration to address insecurity and the education deficit, noting that more than 40 million children remain out of school in West Africa.
He called for the implementation of the Regional Declaration on Improving Islamic Education and Countering Violent Extremism, stressing that Islamic organisations must promote peace, tolerance, and coexistence across the region.
