The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, emphasized that northern leaders cannot effectively educate children by allowing them to beg on the streets.

This statement was made during the inauguration of the Zamfara State Almajiri Integrated Qur’anic Education Center in Gummi on Sunday.

“I am not a politician but I’m here because of the importance I attach to this programme for myself and the community at large,” the Sultan said. He stressed that Qur’anic schools should be centers where religious education and values are taught, but expressed concern over the prevalent begging among almajiri students.

According to the Sultan, the establishment of integrated schools is crucial for addressing the issue of out-of-school children and ending the practice of begging under the guise of learning. He asserted that education should be prioritized by all governments, as it is the foundation of all good in society, while ignorance breeds negative outcomes.

In his remarks, Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara committed to creating an environment that ensures a brighter future for younger generations. The newly inaugurated center includes six classrooms with a capacity for 45 students each, 130 double bed spaces, 12 toilet facilities, and a kitchen. Additionally, a vocational center has been established to train children in woodwork, sewing, and metalwork, among other skills.

Governor Lawal assured the community of the government’s commitment to providing adequate feeding and welfare for the students. In honor of the Sultan, the center has been named after Sultan Sa’ad Abubakar III.

Furthermore, the governor inaugurated the upgraded and renovated General Hospital in Nasarwa Burkullu, located in Bukkuyum Local Government Area, as well as the Maru General Hospital, which also underwent renovations.