Gombe to issue almajirai ID cards

As part of efforts to reform the almajiri system of education, the Gombe State Government will begin data capture of all Tsangaya schools and almajirai across the state with the aim to ascertain their number and states of origin.

Sayyada Aminatu Sheikh Dahiru Usman Bauchi, Special Adviser to Governor Muhammad Inuwa Yahaya on Tsangaya and Almajirai, disclosed this in an interview with our correspondent.

She explained that her office would seek permission from the government and collaborate with the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) to register all the almajirai in the state, issuing them ID cards to facilitate their movement without harassment.

She said, “If we register them, ID cards will be issued to them and they will be free from any intimidation.”

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She expressed regret over the attitude of some parents who neglected their responsibilities by sending their children to Tsangaya schools without proper arrangements, leaving them to fend for themselves.

She further said, “Everyone knows that the education system has changed, but these young children are seen roaming the streets and have become a nuisance at bus stops and other gatherings due to a lack of Western education. It is disheartening to notice almajirai spending the night in motor parks and markets. These young children have no means of survival due to the high cost of living.”