Education Evolution of Islamic Schools during the Colonial Rule in Zaria Province 1921 – 1960

Abstract

The paper examines the evolution of Islamic schools in Zaria province 1921 – 1960. This is in view of the fact that the history of the evolution and development of Islamic schools during the colonial period has not been exhausted. The paper argues that there were various Islamic schools in the Zazzau Emirate even before the coming of British colonialists. However, the conquest of Zazzau Emirate by the British imperialists and the subsequent establishment of colonial economic and political administration in Zazzau Emirate now Zaria Province affected the smooth running of the Islamic school. This is because the British colonialist officials not only adopted harsh socio-economic, political and administrative measures to undermine the smooth running of the Islamic schools by the Islamic teachers (Mallams), but introduced a formal colonial system of education (Western Education) and encouraged the Emirs and their traditional council of chiefs (Hakimai) to send their children into various schools. This in turn affected the enrolment of pupils especially girls into the Islamic schools (Makarantan Allo) in Zaria province. The paper relies on oral information through oral interviews, archival materials, published and unpublished sources of information.