Emir Sanusi demands conversion of mosques into schools

The outspoken Emir of Kano, Mallam Muhammad Sanusi II, has hit at established tradition of laying more emphasis on erection of mosques in the North, demanding that northern governors should convert Muslim worship centres to primary schools.

The Emir said the mosques should not be designated as just prayer centres, but should also serve as schools, adding that it will be highly rewarding if the mosques are converted to learning institutions as obtained in other regions.

This is not the first time the Emir of Kano, would be attacking some established traditions in the North.

He had only just recently, called on wealthy individuals in the North to use the wealth Allah blessed them with, not only in building mosques but to also educate girls and discourage early marriage.

His call on conversion of worship centres to primary schools was made during the graduation ceremony of 2500 Post Graduate Diploma and NCE teachers, on day 3 of Kano Basic Education week.

He said, “If you look at our educational needs viz a viz the infrastructure deficit, it became imperative to convert existing mosque to primary school, and aside cost reduction on this era of recession, it would accelerates education development in the region.

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“It is not all the time we pray and these utilities remain idle for the better part of the day, it will be highly rewarding if we convert them to learning institutions as obtained in other clime”.

Sanusi II, who decried the disadvantaged position of the North on western education, urged the elite in the region to unite and concertedly tackle the problem.

He said that in Morocco, just like any other country in the Arab world, they make efficient utilization of Muslim worship centres to spread knowledge.

“When you convert these mosques to institution of learning in your domain, you have simply brought education to the door steps of citizens at less cost,” the former Central Bank Governor said, adding that products of such institution would turn out to be “responsible citizens” and would also boost enrolment.

Sanusi’s call has, however, been rejected by Dr Junaid Mohammed, a foremost anti-establishment critic, who said the Emir’s recommendations were mischievous.

“Ordinarily, I won’t dignify the statement credited to the Emir with any response because the Emir talks from both sides of his mouth. Though, I agree that there are too many mosques all around and more functional schools need to be built, I don’t think converting a mosque or church to school is what will solve the problem.

“I believe the issue of million beggars on streets in the North is what should have formed the basis of discussion and not the issue of converting mosques to schools,” he said.

 

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