To curb the growing number of children in the state who are not attending school, the administration of Niger State has established a committee to resurrect Almajiri education.

Alhaji Shuaibu Gwada, the committee’s Chairman, made this announcement when the group members were in Bida visiting Etsu Nupe and Alhaji Abubakar Yahaya, the Chairman of the Niger State Traditional Council Rulers.

According to him, the Governor formed the group to address Almajiri and out-of-school children’s concerns, as was done by past administrations. “Unfortunately, over time, negligence and inadequate care for the children have made the Almajiri system which seeks to impart Islamic knowledge a problem. It is unfortunate how many kids wander the streets instead of pursuing education.” He stated, “If nothing concrete is done at this point, it truly poses a serious social insecurity in our country.”

He further said that the State Government’s anxieties and concerns are that these kids could be easily tricked and enlisted by criminals and bandits. He also asked the traditional authorities for advice to address the issue.

Likewise, Muhammad Usman, the committee’s secretary, stated that the group was formed to revive the Almajiri phenomenon in the region.
According to him, the committee also held meetings with the Ulama, a well-educated group of religious experts living in the community, to assist in spreading the word so that the Almajiri issue would be resolved quickly for the good of society.

In response, Etsu Nupe thanked the Governor for forming the group and welcomed its members, stating that they needed to be committed and dedicated to the massive task that lay before them.

While he acknowledged that children could learn Islam anywhere, he also suggested that this practice should be restricted because most children could spend up to 25% of their time begging instead of learning. Etsu Nupe suggested that government programs intended to address Almajiri-related problems be carried out within the governor’s office for strict supervision.

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