Koranic schools in the Far North to be closed down

The government plans to shut down some of the 600 Koranic schools in the Far North region, as the area continues to be plagued by attacks from the Nigerian Islamist sect Boko Haram.

According to security sources the authorities plan to close down schools which are reported to be taking the “radical pedagogical approach”.

If proven, this move would come into line with the statement made in the aftermath of Maroua 12 July 2015 suicide attacks, by the Governor of the Far North region, Midjiyawa Bakary. He promised to proceed with the closure of some Koranic schools and mosques.

As an animist-dominated region, the far north of Cameroon which, with over 4 million inhabitants, is one of the most populated part of the country, also has a strong Christian and Muslim population.

However, the relatively low level of education which is around 40 percent compared to the national average of over 70 percent, according to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) can facilitate the enlistment of young people in extremist organizations.

Various studies have shown that habits and customs of the region push most parents to send their children to Koranic schools at the expense of the traditional schools.

Moreover, poverty of the local population is a breeding ground for radical groups which can easily recruit among the vulnerable classes.