The Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence Alhaji Sa’ad Muhammad Abubakar III, has awarded full scholarship to 20 students of the Sultanate Islamiyya School, Kaura Namoda, to study at the Federal Polytechnic Kaura Namoda, Zamfara State.

The Sultan announced the gesture during the Qur’anic graduation ceremony of 432 students under the sultanate.

He said the Sultanate Council would continue to support the pursuit of education as a foundation for building a better society.

Earlier, the Emir of Kaura Namoda, Major Sanusi Muhammed Ahmad Asha (rtd), said the Sultan had taken full responsibility for the school, which has a long history, including payment of monthly salaries for 64 teachers, as well as the provision of prizes for both students and teachers to motivate them.

In his lecture, the guest speaker, Professor Jafaru Makau Kaura, called on the Federal Government to review the newly introduced secondary school science curricula to better reflect Islamic morals, values and basic Islamic knowledge.

He also urged Islamic organisations, including Izalatul Bid’ah Wa Iqamatus Sunnah, to develop alternative approaches that would engage science students intellectually from an Islamic perspective.

“I called on the Izalatul bidi’a Wa’ikamuts Sunnah and other Islamic organizations to think of other alternatives that will capture the intellectuality of the upcoming science students in accordance with Islamic perspectives,” Prof. Makau called.

Professor Makau further advocated a shift from emphasis on theory to practical knowledge as a means of instilling moral values and promoting self reliance.

He also called for the publication of educational materials that align with culture and Islamic values, stressing that parents and guardians must prioritise moral upbringing alongside Qur’anic education.

“Qur’anic graduation is quite parallel with moral upbringing and we have a great challenge ahead of us looking at the current traits displayed by the upcoming children,” he added.

Providing a historical background, Magajin Garin Kaura, Alhaji Umar Ibrahim, said the school was established 63 years ago by the late Sultan Abubakar III and later received annual visits from the late Sardaunan Sokoto, Ahmadu Bello, and members of the Sultanate Council.

He disclosed that the school currently has 1,772 students, with 432 graduating this year under the supervision of 64 teachers fully supported by the Sultan. (Daily Trust)