The Gombe State chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), has kicked against an executive bill sponsored by Governor Muhammadu Yahaya, seeking to establish an Almajiri Agency in the state.
The state CAN Chairman, Joseph Shinga, who raised the issue at a press conference Monday, said the Christian body is seeking clarification on the executive bill which he said excludes other faiths apart from Islam.
According to Shinga, the 13-page executive bill named Gombe State Almajiri and Out-of-School Children’s Education Agency, did not carry CAN along, thereby sending a wrong signal that it was only meant for the Muslims.
The agency is mandated with the responsibility of establishing and managing primary schools for Almajiri and out-of-school children in the settlements predominantly populated by Almajiri and out-of-school children; formulate policy and issue guidelines in all matters relating to Almajiri and out-of-school children in the state.
However, the state CAN has expressed concerns and fears about the negative implications of the bill, which they believe could affect Christians in the state.
“We can use this complex to express the concerns of Christians regarding the Almajiri and out-of-school children bill before the House of Assembly,” Shinge said in a statement at the end of the press conference.
“The Christians have looked at and raised concerns and mandated me to come and present this concern to the chairman of the House Committee on Education.
“While demanding the inclusion of Christians in the board constitution, we are seeking answers and clarification on the bill. The letter contains fears and concerns regarding the bill. We want the house to look at it.
“We want to define the composition of the board and the term out-of-school clearly. If given a chance, we are ever ready to submit our own memo for an agency, but we don’t want duplication, the reason we ask for inclusivity,” he emphasized.