The ongoing debate surrounding Almajiri schools in northern Nigeria has taken a new turn, following remarks by Bashir Ahmad, a former presidential aide, in support of the Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Saidu. The Minister recently stated that Almajiri children should not be classified as out-of-school children, as the Almajiri system is a form of Islamic education. Ahmad echoed this sentiment, advocating for the integration of Almajiri schools into the national educational framework to ensure their official recognition.
While Ahmad’s remarks highlight the potential of Almajiri schools to reduce the number of out-of-school children in the region, critics have pointed to the broader consequences of the system. The Almajiri model has often been linked to rising social issues in the north, including child exploitation and the perpetuation of street begging. Many children who attend these schools are left to fend for themselves, leading to a visible presence of young beggars on the streets, raising questions about the adequacy of the system in providing holistic education and welfare.
This controversy is further fueled by the actions of northern elites, who publicly defend the Almajiri system while choosing to send their own children to study abroad or to private schools with superior facilities. Critics argue that this disparity underscores a lack of commitment to the system they endorse for others.
Ahmad, however, suggested that if Almajiri schools were provided with adequate support and infrastructure, comparable to what boarding schools receive, they could address the challenges effectively. He also noted that such reforms would alter the perception of Almajiri education and significantly reduce the number of children categorized as out-of-school in the region.
The conversation around the Almajiri system remains deeply polarizing. On one hand, it represents a cultural and religious tradition; on the other, it highlights systemic issues that hinder the educational and social development of northern Nigeria. Advocates for reform stress that without tangible improvements in the structure and support for Almajiri schools, the system risks further entrenching cycles of poverty and inequality.
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As the debate continues, stakeholders are urged to address these challenges head-on and ensure that the Almajiri system, if retained, is reformed to prioritize the welfare and future prospects of the children it serves.
