ZAKAT FUNDING AND SDG-4: A MECHANISM FOR ENSURING QUALITY BASIC EDUCATION IN KANO STATE, NIGERIA
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.22452/Keywords:
zakat, quality basic education, sustainable development, SDG-4Abstract
Basic education requires a sustainable source of income to cover its on-going operational costs. Zakat funds have been playing major roles in offering financial assistance to support quality basic education, which is crucial for long-term development. In Islam, zakat is a mandatory form of charity designated specifically for eight eligible categories of recipients. However, to respond to contemporary global challenges and enhance the educational systems of countries, in 2015, the United Nations (UN) needed nations to place greater emphasis on achieving 17 key areas, one of which is Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG-4), to ensure quality education. In response to this call and with a special focus on quality basic education, the Kano State government in Nigeria has introduced various programmes aimed at achieving quality basic education. Nevertheless, despite these efforts, a large number of children are not attending school and school dropouts remain. This study explores and highlights zakat funding and SDG-4 as a mechanism for ensuring quality basic education for sustainable development in Kano State, Nigeria. A qualitative research method, utilizing interviews and document analysis, has been employed. The findings reveal low allocation and disbursement in the use of zakat funds for education in Kano State. Therefore, the Zakat Commission, as well as philanthropists, recommends empowering children with quality basic education, considering that they are the leaders of tomorrow and nation builders.
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