Kano State Commissioner for Education, Mohammed Garba has described the recent suggestion by the Emir of Kano, Malam Muhammadu Sanusi II, that northern governors should consider converting mosques to schools as a good idea.
The Emir, who spoke last week during the Kano Educational Week programme, stressed that mosques were not initially meant for prayers alone.
Garba, while reacting to the recent statement credited to the royal father, noted that Sanusi’s idea was part of Islamic belief and could be implemented.
According to the commissioner, the whole essence of the Islamic religion was rooted in the Arabic word ‘Ikrah’, which means ‘read’ and provision of knowledge.
“This was one of the messages sent to Prophet Mohammed and by implications, it means that all should read and understand better and as such using the mosque for learning would be a step in the right direction.
“What the Emir has suggested is good and in accordance with the tenets of Islam and in line with the quest to create more opportunities for people to actualise their educational desire,” the commissioner said.
Garba said the use of mosque to read and learn would not only raise the standards of education but would also increase opportunities for teaching and learning.