The North-East Development Commission (NEDC), in collaboration with the Yobe state government, on Friday provided essential non-food items to 38,000 vulnerable children in Tsangaya and Almajiri schools as part of efforts to modernise Islamic education in the state.

The intervention, which included blankets and nylon mats, is designed to bring relief to the students during the harsh harmattan season.

The initiative also featured construction of new solar-powered boreholes to ensure that they have access to clean water.

Speaking at the flag-off ceremony at Tsangayar Malam Rabiu Mai Bataliya in Gujba local government area, the NEDC Managing Director, Mohammad Goni Alkali, emphasised that the programme’s core goal was to gradually modernise the Almajiri education system.

Alkali, who was represented by the state Coordinator, Prof. Ibrahim Ali Abbas, said the aim was “to support the existing schools in order to improve their conditions, create a conducive environment for teaching and learning.”

According to him, the ultimate purpose is to align the system with the national development goals.

The newly commissioned solar-powered borehole at the Gujba School was highlighted as a critical infrastructure project.

Alkali stated that five had been constructed, while plans for more were underway.

In appreciation, Malam Rabiu Mai Bataliya thanked the NEDC for the assistance and assured that the items would be used for their intended purposes.