Committee visit Etsu Nupe for counsel on how to tackle menace of Almajiri and out-of-school children
As part of efforts of Farmer Mohammed Umaru Bago, Governor of Niger State to tackle the increasing number of Almajiri and out-of-school children, the Niger State Committee on Almajiri and Out-of-school Children has paid a visit to his Royal Highness, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar, Estu Nupe and Chairman of the State Traditional Rulers to seek his wise counsel.
The Chairman of the Committee, Alhaji Shuaibu Gwada, said the committee was set up early 2024 by the governor to cap the issues of Almajiri and out-of-school children just like it was done by previous administrations that had become a menace over the years.
He said the Almajira system is seeking of islamic knowledge, but unfortunately, the phenomenon has become a problem over the years due to neglect and proper care for the children.
“It is regrettably the number of children roam the streets rather than seeking knowledge in its true sense has continued to rise.
“To the effect that it poses social serious insecurity in our country if no concrete action is taken this point in time,” he said.
Gwada expressed worries and concerns of the committee and the state government that the children can easily be lured and recruited by hoodlums and bandits to join forces.
The Chairman said visit was to obtain wise counsel of traditional leaders on a permanent solution of how the state can successfully address the problem ahead of other states.
Responding, Estu Nupe, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar, commended governor Bago for setting up the committee and congratulated its members, saying the enormous task ahead of them required commitment and dedication.
He said children are entitled to seek islamic knowledge anywhere, but the practice of knowledge by children should be controlled and not allowed to roam the streets begging.
“These children spend quarter of their time begging instead of seeking for knowledge, we and the authority are very concerned, this trend must be corrected appropriately,” he said.
He said similar measures was taken by previous administrations to bring out-of-school children into Tsangaya schools, but eventually failed due to lack of proper mechanism and funding.
Estu Nupe advised that government initiatives meant to address issues of Almajiri should be implemented directly under the office of the governor for close monitoring and supervision.
Also, Alhaji Muhammed Dattijo Usman, Secretary of the Committee, said the committee was constituted to resuscitated the Almajir phenomenon in the state to seek the blessings of the royal father.
He said the committee also met with the Ulamas because they are the one from the grassroots and they will carry the message so that the issue of Almajiri would be addressed at once for the benefit of society.
The other members of the committee were Alh. Muhammed Dattijo Usman, Secretary of the committee, Dr Hadiza Mohammed, Ndagi Wali, Alh. Adamu Salihu and Prof. Yahaya Kuta.
Others were Alh. Liman Ibrahim, former Controller General of Federal Fire Service, Muhammed Tafyan, Mrs Amina Gu’ar, Muhammed Ibrahim, Umar Farooq, Hajiya Binta Mamman, Commissioner for Information and Abdullahi Ketso.
