…Agency to teach Islamic, Western education to ex-bandits
…68 adult classes, prison education centre already operational
…They must surrender first, we won’t beg bandits — Gov. Radda insists
The Katsina State Government has unveiled a new initiative aimed at rehabilitating repentant bandits through structured literacy classes, offering both Islamic and Western education.
The programme is part of a wider strategy to reform former combatants and reintegrate them into society, in keeping with the state’s policy of refusing to negotiate with armed groups.
The plan was announced on Sunday, 15 June, and is being driven by the State Agency for Mass Education. Speaking in Katsina, the Executive Director of the agency, Hajiya Bilkisu Muhammad-Kakai, said the state is fully prepared to deploy facilitators to operate the classes in multiple local government areas.
“These classes will provide both Islamic and Western education, aimed at transforming the mindset and lifestyle of those who have laid down their arms voluntarily,” she said.
Muhammad-Kakai explained that the programme would be rolled out in stages across several local councils, with the full cooperation of local government chairmen. She also revealed that 68 new adult literacy centres have already been opened across the state.
In a related effort, the government has established a Basic Post Literacy Class at the Katsina Correctional Centre. According to Muhammad-Kakai, the objective is to help inmates continue their education to university level and eventually earn degree qualifications.
“The Basic Post Literacy Class is designed to support enrolled inmates in advancing academically, with the ultimate goal of earning a university degree,” she noted.
The director further confirmed that the agency had recently conducted a thorough inspection of adult literacy and women’s education centres in all of the state’s LGAs. She said the 2025 state budget includes sufficient funding to address existing challenges in the centres.
Muhammad-Kakai commended Governor Dikko Radda for his steadfast support of the agency’s mission.
“The governor’s consistent backing has enabled us to implement our mandate effectively,” she said.
In a heartfelt appeal, she called on Katsina’s federal lawmakers to contribute a portion of their constituency allowances to support adult and women’s education centres.
“Our representatives in the National Assembly should commit a percentage of their constituency funds to sustain and expand adult literacy efforts in their areas. This is vital for eradicating illiteracy,” she urged.
While Governor Radda has repeatedly ruled out formal negotiations with bandits, stating that only those who surrender unconditionally would be considered for rehabilitation, the agency’s move signals a proactive approach to reintegration.
The governor has previously said any potential dialogue with armed groups would only occur if they renounce violence on their own. Despite this firm stance, recent reports suggest that certain forms of negotiation may have been facilitated behind the scenes by actors at the federal level.