Rethinking Almajiri Education: A Path to Reducing Out-of-School Children
The Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Saidu, accurately points out that Almajiri children should not be categorized as out-of-school children, as the Almajiri system is a form of Islamic education. However, a more effective approach is to integrate the Almajiri education system into the national educational framework or formally recognize it.
This integration could significantly reduce the number of out-of-school children in the northern states, where it’s uncommon to find children not attending either formal or Islamic schools.
The prevalent image of Almajiri children on the streets stems from the current system’s inadequate support. By providing Almajiri schools with resources and structure comparable to boarding schools, we can significantly alter this perception and improve the overall educational experience for these children.
