The recent revival of the Almajiri education programme, marked by the establishment of the Almajiri Commission, reflects a commendable commitment to addressing this longstanding issue. However, the track record of past endeavours raises valid doubts about the potential success of this latest initiative. From the deportation of Almajiri children to their parents in Kaduna state and to the substantial investment of over 16 billion naira in the president Jonathan Almajiri Integrated Program, previous efforts have failed to deliver lasting solutions.
It is my firm belief that the issue of Almajiri education transcends mere political interest or the pursuit of achievements. Instead, it necessitates a deep understanding of its origins, the Islamic sects practicing Almajiri education, and the Islamic perspective on this system.
Almajiri children, traditionally sent to Islamic scholars for Qur’anic education, now spend their days scavenging and begging for food, making them vulnerable to various dangers, including child abuse and kidnapping, as seen in the recent abduction of over 15 Almajiris in Sokoto state.
As a proud product of the Islamiyah education system myself, having received nine years of basic education under its umbrella in the 1980s at Garko Islamiyah Primary School and School for Arabic and Islamic studies Hadejia, Jigawa State, I can attest to its transformative power.
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Today, approximately 100,000 Islamiyah schools exist in Nigeria, producing professionals across various fields and contributing significantly to the nation’s educational landscape. Like myself, I have gone on to excel globally, studying in prestigious universities in China and the United States, and competing with professionals from around the world.
Mr. Minister, to effectively address the challenges facing the Almajiri education system, I urge you to replicate the strategies that have proven successful in the past. By adopting the same approach applied by the JIBWIS sect over the years, which emphasises a standardised curriculum and collaboration among stakeholders.
Without careful consideration and concerted action, the present Almajiri Commission risks meeting the same fate as its predecessors.
Tijjani Mukaddas wrote from Vanderbilt University, USA and can be reached via [email protected]
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