Is Almajiri an Islamic Ideology? A call for urgent reform, by Muhammad Ahmad Yaya Misau
The Almajiri system, a long-standing Islamic educational tradition in Northern Nigeria, was originally intended to offer religious teachings and moral support to young boys. However, it has deteriorated over time into a framework that subjects countless children to poverty, neglect, and exploitation. Currently, many Almajiri children are found on the streets, begging for money and lacking access to adequate education, healthcare, and essential social services. This situation raises significant concerns regarding their susceptibility to radicalization, child labor, and involvement in criminal activities. Tackling this issue necessitates a comprehensive strategy that includes government action, community involvement, and policy reform.
Government Action and Policy Reform
It is commendable, to address the menace of Almajiri, The Nigerian government established The National Commission for Almajiri and Out-of-School Children Education (NCAOOSCE). In the same vein, I personally called, that the Government must undertake significant reforms to modernize the Almajiri system by incorporating it into the formal education framework. Policies should be established to ensure that Islamic education is supplemented with standard vocational training, thereby equipping these children with the skills necessary for self-reliance. Previous initiatives, like the Almajiri Integrated Model Schools launched by earlier administrations, should be revitalized and sufficiently funded to create alternative educational opportunities for these children. Moreover, it is essential to enact and enforce legislation that regulates the Almajiri system and safeguards against child exploitation. The Universal Basic Education Act must be rigorously implemented to guarantee that every child has access to quality education. Parents who send their children away from home without adequate support should be held responsible, and proprietors of the Almajiri Schools should be registered and subject to regular assessments. And parents must register their children at Schools the same way they do at a conventional school.
Community Involvement and the Role of Religious Leaders
The significance of religious leaders in addressing the challenges posed by the Almajiri system cannot be overstated. Islamic scholars and clerics are urged to promote a reformed approach that prioritizes the welfare of these children. By highlighting the necessity of proper child development and discouraging exploitative practices, they can contribute to changing societal attitudes towards the Almajiri system. Community organizations, affluent individuals and philanthropists should endeavor to support Almajiri children by offering to fund educational initiatives that combine religious teachings with secular knowledge, rather than sustaining a system that leaves children vulnerable on the streets.
Economic Empowerment and Skill Development Initiatives
A primary factor driving parents to enroll their children in the Almajiri system is poverty. Economic struggles compel families to seek alternatives that provide at least basic food and education, even in inadequate conditions. To tackle this issue at its core, the government must invest in poverty reduction programs aimed at low-income households. Vocational training and entrepreneurship initiatives should be established to equip young Almajiris with practical skills that foster self-sufficiency. Creating training centers where these children can acquire trades such as carpentry, tailoring, and agriculture will facilitate their integration into society and help break the cycle of dependency and poverty.
Parental Accountability and Public Education
The primary responsibility for child care rests with parents. It is essential to enhance public awareness campaigns to inform parents about the risks associated with sending their children into the Almajiri system. Rather than adhering to traditional practices that expose children to hardship, parents should be encouraged to utilize government-supported educational and vocational opportunities. Furthermore, it is essential for the government, civil society organizations, and the media to work together to raise public awareness about the dangers linked to street begging and the exploitation of children. Showcasing success stories of rehabilitated Almajiri children can serve as a source of inspiration and motivate families to consider alternative educational pathways.
The current state of the Almajiri system presents a significant social issue that demands immediate action. Without thorough reforms, countless children will remain vulnerable to hunger, abuse, and neglect from society. By enacting policy changes, collaborating with religious leaders, empowering local communities, and tackling poverty, Northern Nigeria has the potential to transform the Almajiri system into one that offers education, safety, and hope for a brighter future. It is imperative to take decisive measures to ensure the rights and well-being of every child.
Muhammad Ahmad Yaya Misau is a Policy Analyst, Public Affairs Commentator, and Advocate for Good Governance, based in Bauchi.
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