Why Is Senegal Integrating Quranic Schools into the Official Education System?

In a bold step to strengthen Islamic identity in education, Senegalese authorities have launched an unprecedented initiative to integrate Quranic schools into the official education system, emphasizing the role of Islamic values in societal progress.

This move aligns with a new vision led by Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, who personally oversaw the National Day of Quranic Schools (Daaras) on November 28, 2024, underscoring the state's commitment to institutionalizing this approach at the highest levels.

President Faye stressed the importance of mapping all Quranic schools and developing a specialized system for these institutions and their teachers through dedicated training centers.

He also called for enhancing vocational training for students to facilitate their integration into social and economic life, emphasizing that “Quranic schools are one of the key pillars of children's education in Senegal.”

However, he regretted that these institutions have yet to be fully integrated into the official education system—whether general, vocational, or technical.

A Societal Necessity

The president urged the Minister of National Education of Senegal Moustapha Guirassy to finish essential reforms in consultation with all stakeholders, aiming to modernize and develop Quranic schools in line with contemporary needs.

Quranic schools are an integral part of Senegal’s cultural heritage and a fundamental component of its identity, says Senegalese professor and Arabic language specialist Sam Bousso Abdou Rahman.

Speaking to Al-Estiklal, Abdou Rahman stressed that “integrating these educational institutions into the formal education system addresses a pressing need for a significant segment of Senegalese society, which has repeatedly voiced this demand on various occasions.”

The National Education and Training Sessions of 1981 and 2014 also emphasized the integration of Quranic schools, aiming to preserve Senegal’s rich heritage and authentic values while aligning with national development needs.

“For nearly two decades, Senegalese educational authorities have recognized the need to focus on Quranic schools, leading to numerous initiatives dedicated to their advancement,” he added.

“The new political leadership has also demonstrated a strong commitment to Quranic education, as reflected in its vision and educational policies.”

According to Abdou Rahman, “The new administration upholds a comprehensive development vision that prioritizes justice and equity in society.”

Among the four key pillars of the Senegal 2050 vision is human capital and social equity, and in this context, “Quranic schools play a fundamental role.”

“The ministry’s new education policy reflects this developmental vision, fostering an open society and empowering citizens with African values while preparing them to meet challenges in sustainable development, digital sciences, and artificial intelligence.”

Government Commitment

In recent months, the government has taken concrete steps to reaffirm its commitment to integrating Quranic memorization centers into the national education system.

The Minister of National Education assured Sheikh Mohamed el-Mahi Nias, the religious leader of Baye, of the ministry’s commitment to integrating Quranic schools into the formal system, reviving their role, and upholding the dignity of their students.

“We are dedicated to integrating these schools into the education system and securing the recognition they deserve,” the minister stated.

Guirassy further noted that, in collaboration with Quranic teachers, students, and stakeholders, the ministry successfully drafted a consensus-based bill, which was then submitted to the president.

Another key aspect highlighted was linking Daaras (Quranic schools) to modern issues, including artificial intelligence, digital technology, civic engagement, national values, honesty, and spirituality.

The minister emphasized that the concerns and questions raised by stakeholders regarding Quranic schools demonstrate a genuine commitment to sharing knowledge with the world. “Daaras are the right place for this,” Guirassy affirmed.

For the Minister of National Education, instilling these values in society can only be achieved when the curriculum of Quranic schools is fully integrated into the national education system.

“There is a strong determination among all officials to make this happen, and you've heard the president speak about it on multiple occasions,” he said, highlighting that Diomaye Faye himself was once a student of a Quranic school.

“Today, everything is in place to uphold our values and enrich the school system to better reflect our identity,” the minister added. “We want a school system that truly represents Senegalese society.”

A Comprehensive Plan

The Ministry of National Education is advancing its commitment through the Project for the Improvement of Education System Performance (PAPSE), which aims to integrate 600 Quranic schools to better support traditional Arab-Islamic education in Senegal.

Moussa Niang, coordinator of classroom management, said this initiative follows the Basic and Secondary Education Support Project, which successfully registered 527 classes.

Selection will be conducted through a lottery system overseen by educational inspection and training bodies, with the participation of all school stakeholders. “Compliance visits will be carried out to ensure adherence to the required standards,” said Niang.

Selected Quranic schools will receive various benefits, including contracted service providers to teach French and mathematics, helping students transition smoothly into the formal education system.

The project also includes setting up school cafeterias, providing healthcare services, supplying educational materials, and offering stipends for Quranic teachers.

Future Prospects

Senegalese professor Sam Bousso Abdou Rahman stressed that a well-planned integration of Quranic education into the formal system would open promising new horizons, benefiting Quranic schools, educators, graduates, the education system, and society as a whole.

“Among these prospects is the establishment of a fully integrated educational framework that aligns with the government’s new vision while meeting the aspirations of Quranic scholars and the broader Senegalese community,” Abdou Rahman told Al-Estiklal.

This integration also aims to bridge the gap between graduates of the French-based education system and those from the Arab-Islamic system, fostering national unity and preventing cultural divisions that could impact social cohesion.

“This step would enable a broad segment of society with diverse skills to contribute more effectively to national development and integrate into the job market with greater ease.”

“The Quranic school will also gain a legally recognized status, providing a structured framework for its institutions while preserving its distinct identity and securing both national and international recognition,” he concluded.

This recognition is a crucial step toward implementing fundamental reforms, such as modernizing Quranic school curricula to shorten the time required for memorizing the Quran while equipping students with additional skills that expand their academic and professional opportunities.

This includes “improving living and learning conditions in Quranic schools to meet the quality standards expected in educational institutions.”

It also aims to “facilitate the financing of Quranic schools through the state budget, as well as other sources such as endowments, investments, and donations.”

Abdou Rahman noted that this integration would allow Quranic schools to benefit from international cooperation agreements and advancements in new technologies, particularly artificial intelligence.

This initiative would help Senegal achieve universal schooling in line with the fourth goal of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

It would “enhance Senegal’s standing in upholding children's rights, in accordance with ILO Convention 182 on the elimination of the worst forms of child labor.”

“Integrating Quranic schools into the formal education system opens new horizons for these institutions, their educators, graduates, and society as a whole,” according to Abdou Rahman.

“The success of this project requires the collective efforts of all stakeholders, from the government to civil society, to ensure a comprehensive educational reform that preserves Islamic values while keeping pace with global developments.”