By way of perfecting genuine and promising implementation of free and compulsory basic and post basic education, alongside remodelling of Almajiri School system, the Republic of Egypt promised to work in synergy with Kano state to achieve that.
This was made known by the Ambassador of Egypt, His Excellency Assem Hanafi Elseify, when governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje paid him a courtesy visit at the Embassy, in Abuja, Thursday.
Elseify, after recounting that Egypt and Kano state share many things in common, in terms of their attachment to Islam, he reveals that Egypt had, in the past, went through this remodeling system of Almajiri schools, which later became something to be copied by other countries of the world.
“We look forward to relate very closely with you. While we are glad to exchange experiences between us in this area of remodelling, I am glad to inform you that, we are always ready for you in this area and many others,” said the Ambassador.
Reminding that, Egypt and Kano have long standing relationship for many years. Urging governor to be steadfast and committed in this all-important policy, that “…changing the mindset of people is not easy. I am therefore urging His Excellency to kindly face any challenges that he may face in this important policy.”
In the 60s, Ambassador Elseify reminded that, the then President of Egypt, Gamal Abdul-Nasser, changed the face of Al-Azhar school then, from treating purely religious courses to widen the scope to also accommodate fields like Medicine and others.
In his concluding remarks, Ambassador of Egypt displayed his satisfaction with the way Ganduje was reelected into office, for second term, disclosing that, “It is your good records and achievements of your first tenure in office that moved your people to vote for you again. Congratulations Your Excellency.”
He also promised to attend the proposed Summit Kano is organising, somewhere around first week of September, in search of most proper way of implementing the policy, together with meeting stakeholders from both inside and outside Nigeria.
Governor Ganduje in his remarks thanked Egypt for the good working relationship with Kano, particularly in the areas of education and cultural exchange, “We are proud to be associated with you. Our students are there in Egypt studying Medicine alongside other courses in humanities. And they are doing well.”
He assured the good cooperation of his government in cementing strong synergy between Kano and Cairo. Explaining that, Kano’s effort in integrating Almajiri school with the curriculum of the Western education was initiated to strengthen the belief system of Almajiri school, as well as providing skills to them to become self-reliant economically.
Assuring the Ambassador that Kano would try and see to the effective and efficient synergy with Egypt, for proper coordination in the chosen areas of cooperation.
Ganduje was accompanied to the Embassy by Senator Barau I. Jibrin, Chairman Senate Committee on Appropriation and Eng. Abubakar Kabiru Bichi, Chairman House Committee of Works, at the House of Representatives.
