Financial Sustainability of Islamic Primary Schools in Zamfara State: Challenges and Management Options

This study examines the financial sustainability challenges of Islamic primary schools in Zamfara State, North West Nigeria, and explores management options for improving their long-term viability. Islamic primary schools form the backbone of early religious and general education in many communities in Zamfara, yet their financial fragility threatens their operational continuity. The study employs a mixed-methods design, using financial records analysis, questionnaires administered to 60 school proprietors, and semi-structured interviews with 15 education finance officials across Gusau, Talata-Mafara, and Kaura Namoda. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and cost-benefit analysis frameworks. Findings reveal that the majority of Islamic primary schools depend predominantly on tuition fees and mosque donations, with minimal diversification into Waqf, government grants, or community enterprise models. Schools with diversified income streams demonstrate significantly greater financial resilience and programme quality. The study recommends the development of Islamic school financial management capacity, incentivised participation in state government subvention schemes, establishment of school Waqf funds, and adoption of cooperative resource-sharing arrangements between schools in the same locality. These recommendations are relevant to Islamic school proprietors, state government education finance units, and Islamic philanthropy organisations. Keywords: financial sustainability, Islamic primary schools, Zamfara State, school finance management, Waqf.