The Katsina State Agency for Mass Education has unveiled plans to establish literacy classes for repentant bandits as part of comprehensive efforts to reintegrate them into society and reinforce ongoing peace initiatives in the state.
According to Bilkisu Muhammad Kakai, Executive Director of the agency, the program will provide both Islamic and Western education to former bandits who have voluntarily surrendered their weapons. The initiative will be implemented in phases across local government areas where peace agreements have been successfully established.
"We will liaise with local government chairmen to open the classes in phases. The core subjects will focus on Islamic and Western education," Kakai explained during a press briefing. She added that facilitators are ready for deployment, with local government chairmen playing a key role in coordinating the educational activities.
Expanding Educational Initiatives
In her review of the agency's achievements over the past six months, Kakai highlighted the establishment of 68 new adult education classes in communities under district heads' supervision throughout the state.
The agency has also launched a Basic Post-Literacy class at the Katsina Correctional Centre, designed to support inmates pursuing further education. "The Basic Post-Literacy class is designed to help inmates to progress academically and, eventually, enroll in university for a degree certificate," she noted.
While budgetary provisions have been made this year to address challenges facing these educational centers, Kakai appealed to National Assembly members representing Katsina to partner with the agency in expanding literacy efforts across the state.
"The National Assembly members should dedicate a percentage of their constituency allowances to support the running of adult education classes in their areas in order to wipe out illiteracy," she urged.
The initiative represents a significant step in addressing both security challenges and educational deficits in regions affected by banditry, potentially offering a model for similar peace-building efforts across Nigeria's northern states.
Follow BenriNews on social media for more updates:
