The Katsina State Agency for Mass Education has unveiled plans to introduce literacy classes for repentant bandits as part of efforts to reintegrate them into society and promote lasting peace across the state.
Executive Director of the agency, Bilkisu Muhammad Kakai, revealed that the programme will provide both Islamic and Western education. It will be implemented in phases across local government areas where peace accords have been reached and bandits have voluntarily disarmed.
“We will liaise with local government chairmen to open the classes in phases. The core subjects will focus on Islamic and Western education,” Kakai said while addressing journalists.
She noted that facilitators are already prepared for deployment and that local authorities will be actively involved in coordinating the classes.
Reviewing the agency’s progress over the last six months, Kakai stated that 68 new adult education centres have been set up under the supervision of district heads across the state. Additionally, a Basic Post-Literacy class has been launched at the Katsina Correctional Centre to help inmates continue their education.
“The Basic Post-Literacy class is designed to help inmates to progress academically and, eventually, enroll in university for a degree certificate,” she explained.
She also confirmed that this year’s budget includes provisions to address challenges faced by adult education centres. However, she called for more collaboration from federal lawmakers.
“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,” Kakai appealed.
