THE FORGOTTEN POTENTIAL OF ALMAJIRI: A call for reform in the northeast

By: Kamal Hammajo

For decades, the Almajiri system has remained one of the most debated issues in Northern Nigeria. What began centuries ago as a noble Islamic learning structure under the Sokoto Caliphate, supported by State funding, has over time deteriorated into what many now call the “Almajiri menace.” Today, the sight of children roaming the streets in torn clothes, bowls in hand, begging for survival, raises deep social, economic, and religious concerns.

HISTORICAL BACKGROUND

The Almajiri system is not inherently a problem. In the pre-colonial era, Sangaya Schools, the original Islamic learning Centers, were well funded by the Sokoto Caliphate founded by Usman Danfodiyo. Students, known as Almajirai, received free education, food, and shelter through State support and community contributions. They were also trained in farming and basic skills to sustain themselves. During the rainy season, students farmed collectively to secure food for the year.

However, colonial rule disrupted this system. With the amalgamation of Nigeria in 1914, colonial authorities stopped State support for Qur’anic Schools. Gradually, Islamic Teachers (Alarammomi) began running Private Schools without Government assistance. Farming became costly, urban migration increased, and children were left to fend for themselves. Thus, the system degenerated into widespread street begging.

THE ALMAJIRI TODAY: Challenges and Contributions

In Gombe State and across the Northeast, the number of children on the streets remains alarming despite various interventions. A casual survey suggests that for every Almajiri absorbed into modern schools or reforms, many more remain on the streets, highlighting the scale of the challenge.

The Negative Effects Are Obvious:

• Street begging breeds poverty, insecurity, and public nuisance.

• Exposure to crime and radicalization, as idle youths can be manipulated by violent groups.

• Health and hygiene problems, as many lack shelter, food, and healthcare.

• Illiteracy, since many graduate without formal education or employable skills.

Yet, the positive contributions of Almajiri graduates are often overlooked. Many who passed through the system have become:

• Traders and artisans dominating local markets across the Northeast.

• Skilled workers such as tailors, mechanics, welders, and carpenters.

• Religious leaders and teachers who continue to serve communities.

Their resilience, adaptability, and discipline prove that the Almajiri is not destined to be a burden, if properly guided, they can be a national asset.

North-East Governors Forum

GOVERNMENT EFFORTS: Past and Present

Successive governments, including Gombe State, have attempted reforms:

• Construction of Almajiri Integrated Schools during the Goodluck Jonathan administration.

• COVID-19 repatriation programs, where thousands of children were returned to their States of origin.

• Gombe State’s attempts to absorb Almajiri children into public schools and offer vocational training.

Despite these efforts, poor implementation, lack of political will, and inadequate funding have hindered progress. Most Almajiri Schools remain unregistered and unregulated.

THE WAY FORWARD: Law, Policy, and Skills Development

A lasting solution requires more than charity, it demands policy and law. If State legislatures pass a law compelling Qur’anic School owners to register their Schools under Government supervision, backed by executive policy, the system can be transformed.

Key Recommendations Include:

1. Compulsory Registration: All Almajiri Schools must be recognized, standardized, and monitored.

2. Government Support: Provide basic facilities (hostels, meals, healthcare, classrooms).

3. Skills Training: Like in pre-colonial times, students should learn agriculture, crafts, and modern technical skills alongside Qur’anic studies.

4. Productive Engagement: Instead of begging, children can work part-time in agriculture, local industries, or manufacturing hubs. Their earnings could be divided: one part saved in their personal accounts, another part directed into a government-managed treasury to sustain the program.

5. Security Enforcement: Use community and State Security Agencies to ensure compliance and protect children from exploitation.

CONCLUSION: From Menace to National Asset

The Almajiri system is not beyond redemption. History shows it once produced disciplined, productive, and God-fearing citizens. Even today, many successful market traders and artisans are products of the system. With law, structured policy, skills training, and government-community partnership, the Almajiri can be repositioned to contribute to national development.

Instead of viewing them as a menace, we must see them as untapped human capital. Harnessing their talents for manufacturing, agriculture, and entrepreneurship could transform not just Gombe State and the Northeast, but Nigeria as a whole.