Funding Higher Education Through Waqf: An Experience from Kano State, Nigeria

Abstract

The chronic underfunding of education has persisted for decades causing issues like poor infrastructure and poor salaries in tertiary institutions, continued with education budget allocations falling from 7.1% in 2019 to 6.9% in 2020 and resulted in subsequent strikes that damaged students’ performance    in the State. The paper provides the possibility and application of Waqf in funding Universities by the people of the State. It also explores the potentials of the Waqf Model as an alternative and sustainable source of University funding mechanism to reduce underfunding education. In the paper, a Model is presented on how the University Waqf Model can be utilized to address the issues of underfunding in Kano State Universities.  The data used in analyzing the paper is interview with 12 participants, representing three categories: Waqf experts, university Administrators and students. Additional information was gathered from archival records, official documents and library materials. The study analyzed existing laws and policies governing Waqf in Kano Nigerian universities. Findings revealed that although there is no standard unified University Waqf framework guiding the practice of Waqf in Kano Universities Waqf is being practiced especially on student welfare and also on infrastructural activities. The result shows that Waqf has the potentials to reduce universities' dependence on government funding by supporting student welfare and infrastructural development. The findings further indicated that Waqf can be institutionalized as one of the mechanisms for generating resources, particularly through voluntary contributions directed at educational development. The Waqf model was suggested to be included as one of the mechanisms for funding universities. The study also found that some universities have begun to involve various Waqf and voluntary donations especially in education and some income-generating activities to run their affairs besides seeking support from government for their educational activities. This study proposes reforms that could enhance the operationalization of Waqf in higher education and emphasize the need for supportive legislation and policies to facilitate the use of Waqf in universities, ensuring that they effectively contribute to educational goals. Thus, his study suggests that Waqf initiatives should be combined with Zakat, Sadaqah and voluntary donations to enhance outcomes and maximize benefits.