Niger takes action to address the growing number of out-of-school children

The Niger state government announced the establishment of a committee to revive almajiri education in order to address the state’s growing number of out-of-school children.

Shuaibu Gwada, the committee’s chairman, announced this during a visit to the Estu Nupe and Chairman, Niger State Traditional Council Rulers, Alhaji Abubakar Yahaya, in Bida.

He stated that the governor formed the committee to address almajiri and out-of-school children issues, as previous administrations had done.

He said, “The Almajiri system is seeking of Islamic knowledge that has unfortunately become a problem over the years due to neglect and proper care for the children. It is regrettable the number of children that roam the streets rather than seeking knowledge. In its true sense it poses social serious insecurity in our country if no concrete action is taken this point in time.’’

Mr Gwada expressed worry of the state government that the children could easily be lured and recruited by hoodlums and bandits to join their folds.

He also sought counsel from traditional leaders on how to deal with the issue.

Furthermore, the committee’s Secretary, Muhammed Usman, stated that the committee was formed to revive the almajiri phenomenon in the state.

He said that the committee also met with the Ulama — an educated class of religious scholars — in the area who is domiciled in the grass-roots to help in carrying the message so that the almajiri issue would be addressed at once to benefit society.

Responding, Mr Abubakar praised the governor for forming the group and congratulated its members, stating that the great task before of them required commitment and determination.

He argued that children were entitled to seek Islamic knowledge wherever, but the practice should be regulated because most of them might spend a quarter of their time begging rather than seeking knowledge.

He stated that prior administrations attempted similar steps to get out-of-school children back to school but ultimately failed owing to a lack of suitable mechanisms and funds.

Estu Nupe advocated that government programs addressing almajiri should be implemented immediately under the governor’s office for close monitoring and oversight.

Other committee members are Muhammed Dattijo Usman, Secretary of the Committee, Dr Hadiza Mohammed, Ndagi Wali, Alhaji Adamu Salihu, and Prof. Yahaya Kuta.

Others include Liman Ibrahim, former Controller-General of the Federal Fire Service, Muhammed Tafyan, Amina Gu’ar, Muhammed Ibrahim, Umar Farooq, Hajiya Binta Mamman, Commissioner of Information, and Abdullahi Ketso.