The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has urged Islamic scholars across the subregion to take the lead in combating extremism and terrorism, calling for a modernization of Quranic education that promotes peace, inclusion, and human security.
At the West African Islamic Conference on Security and Governance held Thursday in Abuja, ECOWAS Commission President Dr. Omar Alieu Touray described terrorism and violent extremism as existential threats to West Africa’s peace, economy, and social fabric. He emphasized that the region’s stability now depends as much on spiritual leadership as on military strength.
Terrorism and violent extremism have taken a huge toll on people. Africa, especially the Sahel, has become the new hub of global terrorism. Islamic scholars have a sacred responsibility and should use it to guide our youth away from violence and towards knowledge, innovation and coexistence.
Touray announced ECOWAS’ commitment to modernizing traditional Quranic schools known as Tsangaya in Nigeria, Makaranta in Ghana and Daraa in the Sahel, to prevent their students from falling prey to radical recruiters. Millions of young West Africans attend such schools, often living in poverty and isolation. He said the modernization will blend Quranic studies with formal education, skill acquisition and digital literacy. Transforming the schools into centers of empowerment rather than vulnerability.
He commended Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for establishing the National Commission for Almajiri and Arab School Children Education, describing it as a model for inclusive learning that could end street begging, child abuse and radicalization. “Protecting these schools and giving their students hope will end the phenomena of street-begging and child exploitation. Education reform is key to peace and productivity” – Touray noted.
The call carries deep human and family implications. Across northern Nigeria and parts of the Sahel, parents send children to Quranic schools in search of spiritual growth, but limited resources and state neglect often expose many of these children who are far from home, to hunger, exploitation and extremist recruiters.
By advocating modernization, ECOWAS aims to restore dignity and stability to the family unit, ensuring children receive both religious and secular education without losing their cultural identity.
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